This Saturday: The Nation's First Major Hybrid Car Show

July 15, 2006 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
Madison, WI— Many people have heard about hybrid cars, the great mileage they get, and their low emissions, finally there’s a place to see all ten hybrid models on the market today, all in one place. Hybridfest, the hybrid electric car show, will take place this Saturday July 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alliant Energy Center, part of the Dane County Fair. Parking and admission are free.

There will be more than 100 hybrid cars on display, test drives will be available, and hybrid owners will be on hand to talk about what its really like to drive a hybrid. Attendees will see the very newest models of hybrid electric vehicles, including the Saturn VUE Green Line and the Lexus 450h sedan, as well as a working GM EV-1 Electric car. A plug-in hybrid that can be charged up overnight will also be displayed. Attendees will also meet the “hypermilers”, hard-core hybrid enthusiasts who have achieved 110 MPG (1,397 miles on a single tank of gas) in a standard Toyota Prius will share their secrets.

People are registered and traveling from 20 states in the U.S., plus Canada, to attend Hybridfest! California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin are all represented.

Speakers are also coming from around the country to share their thoughts on topics ranging from driving techniques for better milage to modifying your hybrid. These technical sessions are only available to Registered Attendees. Speakers include:

·David Morris, Vice President of the Institute for Local Self Reliance

·Glen Bower – University of Wisconsin Hybrid Vehicle Team Faculty advisor. He has helped guide the UW team to several wins with one-of-a-kind hybrid electric vehicles. Their latest hybrid, named MOOvada, is a diesel hybrid electric Chevy Equinox.

·Wayne "Xcel" Gerdes and Dave Bassage – Two “hypermilers” who took an unmodified Prius 1,397 miles on a single tank of gas. That's 110 mpg!

·Mike Dabrowski – Engineer and inventor. He has hacked into the Honda Integrated Motor Assist to provide a user interface so consumers can manually control the hybrid system.

·Francis Vogel of Wisconsin Clean Cities - Topic: Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Hybrid Applications for Fleets.

·Prof. Jon Foley, Director – Climate Change Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE). Recently awarded the Gaylord Nelson Distinguished Professorship on the basis of substantial research achievement, great contribution to the Nelson Institute, interdisciplinary excellence and career momentum.

Hybridfest, Inc. is a non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers, which promotes awareness
and understanding of hybrid electric vehicles and their positive impact on the environment. For more information, go to www.hybridfest.com.