Alkylate is a little-known substance that could have a huge impact on hybrid car sales in 2008. Referred to as “liquid gold” and the “magic bullet”, this expensive gasoline additive is about to be in short supply and high demand, just in time for the summer driving season. Adding insult to injury are accusations that oil companies are purposely reducing the output of alkylate in an attempt to further increase profits. Regardless of who’s to blame, if gas prices top $3.50 a gallon this year, expect to see a lot more people buying hybrid cars and suvs in ‘08.