Organisers claim that Hybridfest 2007, scheduled for next weekend in Madison, Wisconsin, will be the largest hybrid car festival in the US.
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The event, part of the Dane County Fair, will have around 100 hybrid cars on display, and at least six different plug-in hybrid cars in the show (claimed to be the largest public gathering of plug-in hybrid cars to date).
“Hybridfest 2007 will be introducing thousands of people to the plug-in hybrid car idea,” organisers said in a statement.
Planned events include conversion of Wisconsin Public Power’s standard Prius to a plug-in hybrid on-site on Sunday.
Eric Powers, president of Hybridfest, sees plug-in hybrids as the next step in the evolution of the clean vehicle.
“Using technology and infrastructure that’s available today, plug-in hybrids let you fill up on electricity at home, from a regular outlet, at an equivalent cost of under $US1/[US]gallon.
“By charging up the batteries at night, your car essentially becomes an electric vehicle with a gas tank backup. So you’ll have a cleaner, cheaper, quieter car for your local travel, and the gas tank is always there should you need to drive longer distances”.
Hybrid owners from all over America and Canada are expected. Organisers say the annual event has become home to a wide range of hybrid owners, bloggers and fuel-efficient drivers, known as ‘hypermilers’.
The schedule also includes the MPG Challenge, in which drivers compete to achieve maximum fuel economy over an open course. Last year’s overall winner achieved more than 180mpg on the 20-mile drive.
Hybridfest is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers to promotes awareness and understanding of hybrid electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient vehicles and their positive environmental impact.
