Insight, Prius show off fuel economy at HybridFest

A few of the hypermilers at HybridFest

So, I was at HybridFest this weekend in Madison, WI, which is always kicked off with a MPG Challenge. This year's event brought in dozens of hypermilers from across the US, and while there are always various types of hybrid vehicles participating, the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius always dominate the competition in terms of number of participants and fuel economy.

This year's top fuel economy was achieved by a Honda Insight, which achieved 108.72 mpg. All Insights combined achieved an average 87 mpg. The top Prius hypermiler achieved 98.7 mpg. All Prius hybrids combined achieved an average of 74 mpg.

The end of the internal combustion engine - ZENN Motors?

ZENN ready to shock the world, literally?

When I was at HybridFest, one of the most interesting vehicles on display was this little electric vehicle from ZENN. Still, it was hard to imagine that such a tiny vehicle could be successful.

Well, what if it achieved 500 miles of electric energy with just a 5 minute charge? What if it meant the end of ALL electrochemical batteries? The end of gasoline?

That's the claim being made by EEStor and one of its main funders and partners ZENN Motor Co.

“It’s a paradigm shift,” said Ian Clifford, chief executive of Toronto-based ZENN Motor Co., which has licensed EEStor’s invention according to MSNBC. “The Achilles’ heel to the electric car industry has been energy storage. By all rights, this would make internal combustion engines unnecessary.”

Yes, there are oodles and oodles of skeptics, and with the tiny budget EEStor has functioned upon so far with, it wouldn't be surprising to find out the hype is just a stab at raising much needed funds. Of course, if ZENN and EEStor are real, the world is on the verge of an almost incomprehensible revolution.

HybridFest drives the hybrid experience

The hybrid future hits Madison, WI

Ever see a hybrid vehicle converted in a plug-in hybrid?

I did, this weekend at Hybridfest, where Hymotion converted a Toyota Prius into a plug-in hybrid vehicle to the delight of scores of hybrid fans. While that was a major highlight of the two day event, it was not the only major highlight.

Large crowds found numerous plug-in hybrids at the event, as well as the engineers and mechanics whom are converting hybrid cars into plug-in hybrids. In addition, private owners of plug-in hybrids offered their first hand experiences of plug-in hybrid ownership.

Hybridfest also included Toyota's mobile hybrid experience that enables visitors to learn about the technologies that are going to power the automotive future. And, of course, there were many hybrid cars and a hybrid driving course for those interested in test-driving a hybrid. Even the more politically-inclined hybrid fans found a number of interesting speakers at the show discussing issues involving global warming, tax incentives for hybrids and ideas on how the people and the government should get involved.

The point is, Hybridfest is worth checking out, and I plan on going back next year. More important, I have a feeling this event is only going to get bigger and better.

Which hypermiler will dominate HybridFest this year?

Can you top 98 mpg?

Last year a hypermiler from the West Coast achieved 98 mpg on the trip from Washington to Madison, Wisconsin's HybridFest. What will be this year's record? If you are a Midwestern hybrid driver, or interested in hybrid vehicles, check out the event.

Test drive a hybrid. See some hybrid concepts, and a number of plug-in hybrid vehicles, or even watch as a Toyota Prius is converted into a plug-in hybrid.

I'm trying to push some travel ahead to check out HybridFest. Next year, I plan on testing my hypermiling skills on the way to the event. Of course, since I have to take the whole family, I'll be in the Camry hybrid, so I won't be setting any records.