After the photo shoot several students had an opportunity to drive the GM Hy-wire and experience a whole new way of driving a car with by-wire technology. All the controls are hand-operated in an airplane like setting. GM

The Hy-wire attracted crowds throughout the Tour de Sol. S.W.

Over two dozen teams entered in the Tour de Sol championship. The teams underwent technical testing while the Burlington community was invited to an open house to watch the proceedings. Here, Spencer Quong, NESEA technical consultant, talks with Ken Wells and inspects the solar-assisted electric truck built by St. Marks (MA) High School students. J.H.

NESEA invited high schools to exhibit student projects such as this electric go-cart. The exhibits not only helped explain the purpose of the event but they also gave students a great opportunity to hone their skills of speaking to the general public. S.W.

Allison Transmission’s hybrid bus was a great draw. Allison manufacturers a parallel hybrid electric drive system which can be installed into any bus. Allison claims that their system reduces emissions up to 90% during hybrid operation. They also claim it will out-accelerate a conventional bus and at the same time improve fuel economy by up to 60%. Bus driver, Jim Owen, tirelessly offered shuttle service to NESEA staff and volunteers and the general public no matter what time of day! S.W.

Kids were drawn to a great interactive display of sun toys – toys powered by electricity produced by photovoltaic panels. Here kids play with a fountain. They can change the flow of water by controlling the amount of light that reached the photovoltaic panel. This display is a work in progress by NESEA volunteer, Ambrose Spencer.J.H.

One of the prettiest cars was a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid brought to the event by the Concord (MA) Consortium. Here Tour de Sol director, Nancy Hazard and Edmund Hazzard from the Consortium pose next to it. The colored vinyl mosaic, created by the teams’ family and friends, tells a story about some of the wonderful habitats and animals on the planet that these new vehicles can help protect. S.W.

Trenton, NJ was our first full-blown festival held on Monday, May 12. We returned to the wonderful park in front of the New Jersey State Museum, just a few blocks from the State Capitol. Thousands of people came to see the many earth-friendly vehicles and exhibits that showcased programs and services that are working toward building a sustainable transportation future. Here, Mike Strizki’s fuel cell car is center stage with entrants and exhibits as the backdrop. A.M.

The press was attracted to the event and the many opportunities to interview students, VIPs, and industry representatives. Here, two students are interviewed by the press. J.H.

Justin Carven, owner of  Grease Car Vegetable Fuel Systems, is being interviewed. J.H.

After making remarks at the podium, speakers gathered in front the Veginator, built by Central Trenton High School students. From left to right: Warren Leon; NESEA executive director, New Jersey State Assemblyman; Reed Gusciora, U.S. Representative; Russ Holt, Mayor, Douglas Palmer, Jeanne Fox; President of the Board of Public Utilities, and David Cipolloni of Trenton Public High School. The Veginator, a VW Golf, ran on 100% biodiesel made by the students from used cooking oil salvaged from the high school. S.W.

The Toyota Prius, the first 4-5-seat hybrid sedan introduced in 2001, continues to be a show favorite. Here a dealer talks with prospective customers about this super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) that gets 45-50 miles per gallon. People who came to the Tour de Sol had an opportunity to test-drive the Toyota Prius, as well as other vehicles available on the market today. J.H.

Another interesting vehicle that may be on the market very soon, was a Chinese-built electric car brought to the event by a Chinese and Canadian team. The team hopes to sell this vehicle in North America as a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV). ElectroMotive, from Canada, also showcased a Dynasty IT neighborhood electric vehicle.  NEVs are designed to travel on roads posted at 35 mph or less. S.W.

New Jersey State Assemblyman Reed Gusciora chats with Yina Moore of the East Coast Hybrid Association. Yina was an active member on the Trenton Tour de Sol local organizing committee who worked with NESEA to attract high-level officials, exhibitors, and the general public to the event. A.M.

Throughout the Tour de Sol there were a number of companies and non-profits that promoted walking and biking, renewable energy, green building practices, green electricity, and much more. To the right is Atlantic Solar Products. They were with us in Trenton and Philadelphia. S.W.

The University of Waterloo’s Al C. O’holic arrives at the Philadelphia Tour de Sol festival on Tuesday, May 13. Canada’s University of Waterloo brought two vehicles to the Tour de Sol. The Al C. O’holic is a Chevy Silverado converted to run on three possible fuels – propane, E85, or gasoline. J.H.

Over 800 students came to the Philadelphia Tour de Sol to learn, first-hand about the many different transportation options and types of vehicles that are friendlier to the environment than conventional gasoline cars. Here, Byron Humphries is given a presentation to students before they take a look at the vehicles that are on display. J.H.

DaimlerChrysler’s GEM draws crowds wherever it goes. The GEM is the nations top selling neighborhood electric vehicle. It has been on the market for over three years. S.W.

The Lorax, an entry from Pennsylvania’s Methacton High School, drew many admirers in Philadelphia. J.H.

Modular Energy Devices and eGO Vehicles attracted quite a crowd. They joined forces to set a Tour de Sol range record and to demonstrate that an eGO vehicle outfitted with Modular Energy Devices lithium-ion battery pack, had a range of 55 miles – almost triple the range of an eGO vehicle outfitted with lead acid batteries. S.W.

Actor Dennis Weaver and his Drive to Survive joined the Tour de Sol at the DC finish line. He spoke passionately about the need for a hydrogen future for our grandchildren. Here he poses with other dignitaries who spoke at the Tour de Sol. From left to right:Mark Udall, U.S. Representative; Dennis Weaver; Doug Faulkner; Department of Energy's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Joel Szabat, U.S. Department of Transportation’s Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Warren Leon, NESEA executive eirector.
S.W.

Dennis Weaver helped hand out awards
at the miniature solar car competition organized by
the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater DC.
J.H.

S&S AutoSports’ Toyota Prius arrives victorious in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 14.  Bob Strattan’s Prius averaged 53 miles per gallon and received first place in the Production division. S.W.

Mark Meachan and a representative from EVA DC celebrate TDIclub.com's victory in the Prototype division as the top placing entry in the alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle category. Their converted ’96 VW Passat achieved an incredible efficiency of 83 miles per gallon equivalent. Running on 100% biodiesel they captured the Most Climate Friendly Vehicle prize with carbon dioxide emissions of only 33 grams per mile. For comparison, Western Washington University’s purpose-built biodiesel car emitted 56 grams, Union- Endicott’s electric vehicle emitted 89 grams, and S&S Auto Sport's Toyota gasoline-electric Prius emitted 207 grams. J.H.

Union-Endicott (NY) High School team members gather round to celebrate their victory in the Prototype division as the top placing battery electric vehicle. Their ’94 Geometro ran on a combination of Exide and GNB lead acid batteries. They achieved an amazing efficiency of 202 miles per gallon equivalent, and had a 69-mile range. S.W.

In Washington, DC, the History Channel interviews Warren Leon, NESEA executive director, and many others for a one-hour special on alternative fuel vehicles that will air next fall. S.W.

Carl Vogel of Vogelbilt shows off his electric motorcycle. J.H.

WaveCrest Laboratories was with us in DC. They were marketing their TidalForce line of electric bicycles. The bikes drew lots of enthusiastic people. "Tour de Sol was the ideal venue to exhibit the TidalForce M-313, which operates with zero emissions and very low noise and heat" said WaveCrest vice president of light transport Chris Washburn. J.H.