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 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.