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.

There’s certainly a lot of activity on the green automotive front — and GRRReen is right in the middle of it! We’ll have the Ford F150 we converted to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) on display at  the Ride Clean Car Expo near Price Center at UC San Diego on Tuesday, April 14 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by UCSD CONNECT, the event will feature a talk by John Addison, author of Save Gas, Save the Planet, who will cut through the myths about today’s technology, and discuss business opportunities for future innovation in the auto industry and  the race for clean fuels.

Also on display will be:

* Lexus Vectrix – the only freeway-legal electric two-wheel vehicle
* Reaction Design for Energico – virtual experimentation of low emission design alternatives
* Power Genix’s NEV, powered by the latest nickel-zinc batteries
* ZuumCraft’s very light electric vehicle Zuummer
* Spectrum Aeronautical’s ultra light, low emission aircraft
* SDG&E’s CNG car and plug-in hybrid vehicle
* ISE Corporation Hybrid-Electric Bus

It will be a great opportunity to see what’s happening in green motoring, and meet local entrepreneurs who are making it happen.

Stop by and see us!