Getting to see a bunch of competing hybrids in one place, this weekend in Roanoke, VA.

[aaronj1159]

Hey everyone, been stalking the blogs still, but haven't been posting lately. I wanted to drop by and let you all know about a really cool event happening in Roanoke, VA this weekend. The Virginia Tech Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team (HEVT) and Virginia Clean Cities is co-hosting an alternative fuel vehicle car show this Saturday. If I can, I plan to make it there (I may even offer to exhibit my own car as they're looking for owners to do so and vouch for their experiences owning the cars) and get the inside scoop on a lot of these different hybrids and electric vehicles. The initial bulletin about the event states:

 

 

 

All Roanoke area car dealerships and have been invited to showcase their vehicles. This will include hybrids and electric vehicles from Chevy, Nissan, Tesla, Ford, Toyota and many more!

We are also inviting community members to display their alternative fuel vehicles and give testimonials to their worth.

 

The link is here:

http://vthevt.blogspot.com/2014/03/innovation-under-hood-roanokes-green.html

 

If I can go, I'll definitely update the community on anything I learn or find interesting.

[hybridbear]

Very cool! I hope you can make it!

[aaronj1159]

Well, I did end up going to this event. Didn't take my car, as I saw they had a C-Max Hybrid and a Fusion Energi on their facebook prior to leaving for the show, but I kind of regretted that when I got there (I carpooled with someone else into town). They didn't have a whole lot of vehicles set up. The local Ford dealer did bring in the two cars I mentioned, but I don't think the Toyota dealer decided to be included. Someone brought their Nissan Leaf but he left as I was getting there.

 

Now, for the neat parts of the show. In addition to the Fords, there were 2 other vehicles of interest to me. One was of course the Tesla Model S. I didn't realize how much room that car has. Since all of the battery is everything is down below the car essentially, it has basically 2 trunks, one in front, one in back. I'm telling you, if I had a ton of money and a safer place to put it, I wouldn't hesitate to get that car. It's even more impressive up close and personal than it is driving by.

 

Also, the Virginia Tech Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team had their competition car out for display. It was a Chevy Malibu that they had stripped out and put their own tech in. I got the feeling by talking to one of the members that also interns with GM that GM is involved with a LOT of these projects around the world. Makes it even more interesting that they haven't put a viable hybrid sedan into production yet. The intern basically scoffed at the whole "e-assist" thing that GM is doing these days.

 

The city of Roanoke provided a couple of their parking enforcement and parks and rec maintenance vehicles. Nothing too exciting there, but it's nice to see them using electric vehicles rather than Gators or something along those lines.

 

Lastly there were a few trucks and cars that were modified to run on Propane. This wasn't too exciting for me but I got to talk to a guy who knew a little about this:

 

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/01/07/3126921/toyota-unveils-hydrogen-powered-fuel-cell-car/

 

which is always fun to talk about. I did some research and papers on the hydrogen-powered vehicle idea in my senior year of college. Been waiting on something to come to fruition, because I knew they were getting close.

[Ted Swing]

Sounds very cool. I wish they'd do something like that around here.

 

I saw this Honda a few weeks ago that, based on the badge, is powered by natural gas. I'd love to see vehicles like that up close and learn more about them.

[ptjones]

I went to the Atlanta International Auto Show this Saturday and all the Hybrid/Electric vehicles were there. :)

 

Paul

[aaronj1159]

I went to the Atlanta International Auto Show this Saturday and all the Hybrid/Electric vehicles were there. :)

 

Paul

I did this in Richmond last weekend. I think I sat in and thoroughly explored all the hybrid/electric vehicles there (there were no Teslas... or Acuras oddly, but I think most other production cars were there). My favorite without any test drives or research was the Lexus ES300h. Obviously there's a significant price bump for that car. I also wouldn't be able to handle the lack of folding rear seats.

 

I really wish GM would get into the game here. I'd love to drive a hybrid Malibu or Impala. They are really sharp looking cars right now. And one of my favorite cars, the Buick Regal, would be even better if it was a true hybrid, and not this e-assist stuff.

 

Not sure why Subaru made the new Crosstrek with a hybrid option. it's like a 2MPG bump for a $3000 price increase. Maybe for tax break reasons?

[ptjones]

Most hybrids aren't getting that great of gas mileage over the gas models so I think it is to just look good. I kind of miss my 2010 FEH, it got 41mpg city/31-35HWY. Although my CMAX is pushing 60mpg City/50HWY :)

 

Paul.

[acdii]

Even if the MPG isnt that great, the lower emissions is what matters most.

 

I saw a Lexus ES300, mistook it for a Camry for some reason. I still think the HyTi is a better car.