A collaboration among the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, and Caltech, CACI 2009 is happening today. An opportunity for attendees to expand  their knowledge of clean technology, and to network with industry leaders, this year’s conference is focused on the themes of new energy, transportation and water technologies, and how these will affect the future.

Keynote speakers include San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Amit Kumar, Ph.D., president and CEO of CombiMatrix Corp., and Peter C. Fusaro, chairman of Global Change Associates.

We were impressed by the enthusiasm of the attendees, and the dedication of the CACI leadership team, led by Marc Potash.

With a focus on providing a broader understanding of the issues facing clean technology, and a real drive to promote clean tech innovation through all aspects of society and the economy, this is a group that is making a positive impact!

Outside CACI 2009 at the Rady School

CACI 2009 welcome reception

Team GRRReen mechanics Jack Bailes and Steve Lewis

We are Plug In Hybrid, Inc. That’s our name today, and it’s not bad. Totally descriptive, and like Xerox and Kleenex, it gives us ownership of the space, in a way. But we’re thinking big, and we want to find a name that matches our vision.

Cast your vote now — or read on below to learn more about the company.

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More about the company you’re helping us name

We have developed a solution that enables us to convert existing trucks, vans and SUVs into more fuel-efficient hybrid-electric vehicles. That means you’ll still be able to tool around in your Escalade, while leaving the same carbon footprint as a Prius driver. Seriously.

Some more important facts about our company: We have a patent-pending technology solution, created in conjunction with Andy Frank, Ph.D. of UC Davis (a pioneer in the development of technology now used in the Toyota Prius and other hybrids) that incorporates:

• An electric motor attached to the differential
• The driver’s choice of a battery pack that meets specific driving needs
• The software controller that allows the gas engine, the electric motor and the battery pack to work together in a seamless manner, requiring no input from the driver

This solution is simple, practical and affordable, and appropriate for fleets and individual motorists. It will:

• Save money for people by allowing them to spend less on fuel.
• Help save the environment by reducing greenhouse gases.
• And enhance our national security by lessening our reliance on foreign oil.

And it’s just about ready to go. We will be driving two prototypes in Plug in America’s Inaugural Parade in Santa Monica on Jan. 17.

We are eager to bring our solution to market, and we will publish pricing and availability information as soon as it’s available.

Meanwhile, we want your help in finding a creative name that matches the exciting potential of the product. The way we see it, we are in partnership with you in creating a more energy-efficient method of personal transportation that empowers all of us live in a more sustainable way.

Please vote for your favorite in the list below, or you can leave your suggestions in the comments field below.

Let us know if you have questions, and tell your friends. Thank you!

The 40,000-square foot Eco Center area had all the new hybrids, including some cartoonish-looking concept cars, as well as production models from several carmakers on display, and a half-dozen or so conversions – gas-powered production cars that tinkerers and garage mechanics have turned into hybrids or all-electrics.

In fact, everywhere throughout the Convention Center there was a much greater emphasis on ‘eco-motoring.’  Among the representatives we talked to, all seemed to have a canned response for a question they must be hearing often; “Do you guys have a hybrid in the works?”

• Mercedes-Benz: Will have an M Class hybrid in 2010
• Suzuki: No need to go hybrid, as their cars, specifically the Splash, which is huge in Europe, gets 45 miles per gallon
• Scion: No hybrids, their cars get good gas mileage already, and they are committed to keeping the sticker price below $20,000
• Hyundai: They will have a hybrid version of the Sonata in 2010, using what their rep called lithium polymer battery technology
• Volkswagen: No hybrids, they’re going with diesel
• Volvo: Hybrids on the way, check back in a year

The real question: Given the uncertain economic climate, how many average working people will be plunking down $20,000 to $30,000 and up for new cars over the next year – hybrid or not?

And the other great unknown: Where will the price of gas be by the end of 2009?

Hybrids can save fuel costs and the environment, and increase our national security.

Suppose there was a cheaper way to get behind the wheel of a hybrid?

Just suppose there was a way to convert your existing vehicle into a functional hybrid, at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one?

Would you go for it?

Let us know in the comments!