JEFFERSON CITY, MO – From April 4 to April 8, a caravan of hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles will be making its way through the state as part of “Drive Clean and Green Across Missouri,” an event sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center, St. Louis Regional Clean Cities and Kansas City Clean Cities coalitions.

Designed to introduce Missourians to the latest in high-efficiency hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles including flexible-fuel vehicles, “Drive Clean and Green Across Missouri” will kick off April 5 at the St. Louis Science Center and wrap up April 8 at the Discovery Center in Kansas City.  The project was chosen for funding by the U.S. Department of Energy over several other proposals submitted nationwide.  Stops across Missouri will include St. Louis, Wentzville, Columbia, Jefferson City, Rolla, Lebanon, Springfield, Warrensburg, and Kansas City.

For an itinerary, visit http://www.dnr.mo.gov/driveclean.htm.

The goal of the caravan is to educate Missouri citizens and students on the benefits of fuel economy and use of renewable and alternative fuels in terms of saving money, reducing oil imports, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating more efficient technologies. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. Alternative fuels featured will include ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, and propane.

      Among the vehicles included in the caravan is the hybrid Ford Escape, which is built at the company’s Kansas City plant. Other vehicles expected for the drive include:

·        Hybrids – Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight

·         Alternative Fuel Vehicles – biodiesel Jeep Liberty, compressed natural gas bi-fuel Chevrolet Silverado, propane bi-fuel Ford 150 series truck, 85-percent ethanol (E-85) Chevrolet Avalanche, E-85 Ford Taurus, E-85 Dodge Ram, and E-85 Ford Explorer.

Several sponsoring organizations, including the National Biodiesel Board, the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Laclede Gas, Missouri Propane Gas Association, various organizations associated with alternative fuels, and various automobile manufacturers will participate in the drive. We will provide information on hybrid and alternative fuel technologies, efficient driving techniques, ridesharing, transportation alternatives and information from the Environmental Protection Agency on green vehicles.

The Energy Center, which is housed within the department’s Outreach and Assistance Center, can be reached for more information by calling (573) 751-3443 or (800) 361-4827.

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