http://wvodyssey.nrcce.wvu.edu

West Virginia's Celebration of
2004 National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey

Showcasing cleaner and more energy efficient choices in transportation

West Virginia's Celebration of 2004 National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey
West Virginia University - National Research Center for Coal and Energy National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium National AFV Day Odyssey Site

West Virginia Odyssey Celebration

What was Odyssey 2004?

National AFV Day Odyssey, April 2, 2004, was an event designed to build public awareness of, and enthusiasm for, clean-fueled, energy-efficient, and other advanced- technology vehicles as viable options for consumer and fleet transportation. Nationwide participants saw the trends, found the options, met the experts, explored ownership opportunities, and discovered AFV training and job possibilities. The event also brought together those in the advanced-technology vehicle communities to build awareness and focus attention on the good work they are providing for the alternative transportation cause.

The West Virginia AFV Day Odyssey event promoted hybrid electric vehicles as an option for West Virginians today, and clean coal to hydrogen for tomorrow. Because of its rich coal and chemical heritage, West Virginia can play a pivotal role in the coming hydrogen economy.

What did we learn?

  • Hybrid electric vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid offer cleaner, more energy efficient automotive choice today
  • Clean coal technologies and West Virginia's resources and heritage can help fuel the coming hydrogen economy

How did we spread the word?

Hybrid electric drivers were recruited to participate in a rally to promote awareness of alternative fuel vehicles. The Hybrid Electric Rally will ran from Morgantown to Charleston to bring the news about alternative transportation technologies to students and to the public through the news media. These drivers were educators to students and to decision makers alike in supporting the advancement of alternative fuel technology.

We celebrated, at an evening banquet, West Virginia’s 10th Anniversary as a member of the Clean Cities Coalition. This program, sponsored by the Department of Energy, combined education, technical support, and financial incentives to spread the significance of alternative fuel usage.

Why did we do this?

Hybrid electric vehicles offer greater fuel economy and lower emissions compared to conventional vehicles and are a practical way for consumers to choose a cleaner drive today. Also, we must start laying the groundwork to prepare for the coming hydrogen economy. Experts say that fossil fuels likely will be the near term source for hydrogen for transportation fuels. In fact, hydrogen is already produced from a fossil fuel, natural gas, and is used for transportation fuels--hydrogen is used to upgrade oil into gasoline. But natural gas is in demand by many consumers, from heating our homes to making chemicals and gasoline to producing electricity. Natural gas prices are generally higher and more volatile than they are for coal. Coal serves primarily to make electricity. Coal is abundant and coal prices are very stable. So coal may be the logical choice to derive hydrogen.

Who helped with the celebration?

The National Alternative Fuel Training Consortium was the brainchild behind this national event. WVU’s National Research Center for Coal & Energy, home of the NAFTC, and the West Virginia Development Office Clean State Program coordinated the West Virginia celebration. The DEP Office of Innovation, The National Energy Technology Laboratory, West Virginia Department of Education, Advantage Toyota – Barboursville, West Virginia Auto and Truck Dealership Association, West Virginia Coal Association, and West Virginia University supported them in this cause with their advice.