March 15, 2012
Clean Energy Grand Challenges EV-Everywhere
posted by Steven Barrymore

President Obama and the Energy Department launch the Grand Challenges EV-Everywhere. Part of a series of Clean Energy Grand Challenges by the Energy Department. The Grand Challenges are aimed at making clean energy accessible to American families and business use.

Advancing electric vehicle technologies and reducing costs are the goal of the EV-Everywhere Challenge.

Within the next decade the EV-Everywhere Challenge will allow the collaboration of scientists, engineers, and businesses working to make electric vehicles more affordable and convenient to buy and drive compared to current gasoline-powered vehicles.

Over the next several months the Energy Department will announce more Grand Challenges in the series.

“The Challenge will involve working with industry, universities, our national laboratories and government partners to set technical goals for cutting costs for the batteries and electric drivetrain systems, including motors and power electronics, reducing the vehicle weights while maintaining safety, and increasing fast-charge rates.”

Link: DOE

August 26, 2011
Green Drive Expo Returns to the Bay Area
posted by Steven Barrymore

The Green Drive Expo Returns to the San Francisco Bay Area on September 17, 2011. The Expo will feature hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric cars, diesel and biodiesel designs along with CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles. Admission includes free green vehicle test drives.

Date: September 17, 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Craneway Pavilion is located at
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804

Cost of Admission: Adults $10* at the door

Visit Green Drive Expo website for more information.
(*free admission link on website)

June 17, 2011
EcoCAR Challenge Top Honors — DOE Reports
posted by Steven Barrymore

The top honors in the EcoCAR challenge went to the team at Virginia Tech University. Beating out 15 other competing universities to be awarded winners of a three-year program sponsored by the Department of Energy and General Motors. GM donated vehicles were re-engineered to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, while maintaining utility, safety, and performance.

modified Chevrolet Malibu for the EcoCAR challenge (Photo Credit: U.S. Government)

View the EERE News full story here: EcoCAR challenge

October 5, 2010
Bay Area Green Drive Expo — Consumer Event
posted by Steven Barrymore

On October 9, 2010 the San Francisco Bay Area will host the first consumer expo dedicated to ecofriendly vehicles including hybrid, plug-in, and ev. Join over 35 exhibitors and sponsors at this evolutionary event. This hands-on event will showcase alternative energy source vehicles including electric, hybrid, natural gas, hydrogen and other vehicles. Test drive the new Toyota Plug-In Prius and upcoming technologies from Ford. There will be an Owners Showcase so private owners can show off their vehicles (website states that registration is closed for new entries).

Panel sessions throughout the event will feature industry leaders, nationally known experts and the grass roots sector.

Date: October 9, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Craneway Pavilion is located at
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804
Cost of Admission: Adults $10* at the door

Mitsubishi iMiEV all-electric car (photo credit: Mitsubishi Motors)

PHEV bumper sticker