MADISON, WI- I had the opportunity to attend the 2008 Hybridfest—North America’s largest gathering of clean and sustainable vehicles. This third annual event took place the weekend of July 19-20 and featured hybrids, plug-in hybrids, all-electric, biodiesel, and various other non-traditional forms of transportation that were not only fuel efficient, but offered a positive environmental impact.

Savings, Savings Everywhere

Hybridfest drew participants from all across North America to attend the show that was organized by volunteers as part of a grassroots campaign to showcase gas savings in the form of tips and techniques for both hybrid and non-hybrid drivers. We’re all adjusting to $4 per gallon gas. So, people are trying to stretch a gallon as far as possible. The lineup of expert speakers shared energy saving advice and gave instructions on how each of us can greatly improve fuel efficiency by simply changing our driving habits—hybrid or non-hybrid, alike. Hybridfest also featured vendors and exhibitors offering products and services both for transportation, and for household energy efficiency. I appreciated the breadth of topics addressed as high energy prices are in no way limited to the gas pump.

Vehicle manufacturers Toyota and GM exhibited their hybrid vehicle line-up and offered test drives. I was able to window shop the Toyota Prius, Lexus LSHybrid, as well as hybrid SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Toyota Highlander hybrid. I was particularly impressed by companies showing off conversions of hybrid vehicles to plug-in hybrids or PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles). Although conversions are pricey (a typical install for a Toyota Prius is $10,000 and up depending on choice of battery), but it offers the consumer 100+ MPG with decent driving techniques. Demand is high enough to generate a waiting list for conversions.

Techie Toys

One of the most interesting products offered at Hybridfest was a device called ScanGaugeII by Liner-Logic. I use it in my 2008 Toyota Prius, and it has helped lower my overall fuel consumption. Linear-Logic states, “The ScanGaugeII is an extremely compact automotive computer designed to read and display information about your vehicle in real time. Simply connect the ScanGaugeII to your vehicle through its OBDII port using the included cable, turn the ignition key and the ScanGaugeII automatically connects to your cars internal computer.” The device works on all vehicles 1996 or newer, including hybrid, gas, propane and diesel, allowing the drive to monitor up to four gauges at a time not typically displayed on the dashboard. These include Instant Fuel Economy, Engine Load, Throttle Position, and Ignition Timing among others.

MPG Challenge

Hybridfest hosted one of the foremost fuel economy competitions in the nation: the MPG Challenge. In this competition, 36 expert hypermilers had to complete a 26-mile open course in and around Madison. The goal is simple: try to achieve the best possible fuel economy in the open course. The competition was divided into seven different divisions ranging from full hybrid cars and SUVs to regular gas non-hybrids. Competitors were judged on percentage above EPA estimates for their particular vehicle in their division. Winners of the competition achieved astonishing numbers that included 109 MPG (109% over EPA) in a 2002 Honda Insight and 82 MPG (81% over EPA) in a 2001 Volkswagen Golf TDI. The MPG Challenge is proof that changing driving habits alone, can both decrease fuel consumption and reduce gas emissions, no matter what type of vehicle is driven.

As fuel prices continue to rise there is no doubt that shows like Hybridfest will continue to grow in popularity. It is the goal of such shows to raise awareness that each one of us can make a difference by the vehicles we choose and the driving habits we practice. Next year, I’ll be back. Possibly kicking butt in the MPG Challenge.