States across the country, including West Virginia, will celebrate National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey and cleaner choices in transportation on October 18, 2012. Odyssey is a biennial nationwide event that promotes the use of and educates the public on alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.
Developed and coordinated by the West Virginia University-based National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), Odyssey is the largest outreach and education event of its kind.
“This year marks Odyssey’s 10-year anniversary, and we’re expecting to have our biggest year yet with an anticipated 150 or more Odyssey events across the United States,” says Al Ebron, NAFTC executive director and national Odyssey coordinator. He adds that Odyssey has reached millions with its message and attendance has increased by thousands since its inaugural event in 2002.
Thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, middle and high school students will also be able to visit Odyssey displays, hear Odyssey speakers or present their own alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle projects. A number of events are scheduled to be conducted throughout West Virginia.
As part of this year’s anniversary celebration, the initiative will emphasize the alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle achievements since Odyssey’s inaugural event a decade ago. Each site will offer unique activities, including conferences, ride-and-drives, EcoCAR garage tours and demonstrations. In addition, industry experts will be on hand at Odyssey events to answer questions, and educational seminars will provide detailed information about viable alternative fuel options and how they apply to the audiences’ local communities.
