We displayed the Ford F150 that we’ve converted to a prototype plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and fielded a variety of questions from interested students and guests of Connect, sponsor of the event.

Also on hand were ISE Corporation with their hybrid-electric bus, SDG&E with a plug in conversion of a Toyota Prius, an electric motorcycle from Vectrix, a Prius powered by Ni-Zn batteries from Power Genix, and other green technologies.

Many were curious about the performance of Ford F150 vehicle. In a nutshell, the GRRReen conversion prototype:

• Goes from 0 to 40 mph on electric power (and then the gasoline engine takes over)
• Is currently powered by a lead-acid battery pack (with a lithium-ion battery pack in development)
• Has a range of about 40 miles
• Is not available yet, but will be offered to fleets later this year

Following the expo, attendees heard John Addison, author of Save Gas, Save the Planet, discuss recent advances in hybrid automotive technology, biofuels and other fields related to greener driving.

Special thanks to Camille Sobrian and Taylor Peterson of Connect for hosting an informative event focused on bringing more attention to emerging green automotive technologies.

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!