Dear members, colleagues and friends:

It is difficult to believe that another month has already passed. With a few conferences and meetings behind us, we’ve got a lot more to go. And, the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) keeps adding exciting technologies to share with audiences as we travel across the country. For example, “HEVTE,” our hybrid electric vehicle training educator, is a cutaway Toyota Prius that allows automotive students, technicians and first responders to safely interact with hybrid vehicle components.

You can read about our most recent activities in this month’s issue – from the NTEA Work Truck Show and Green Truck Summit to the Energy Independence Summit. In addition, the spring NAFTC Professional Development Meeting in Washington, D.C., featured outstanding professional development and training sessions for our valuable members, so be sure to check out the full report to see what they learned.

It is always exciting to hear about the positive strides our National Training Center (NTC) members are making, and this past month was no exception. Nashua Community College hosted President Barack Obama, who toured the school’s automotive facility and learned about the college’s efforts to train automotive technicians to service alternative fuel vehicles. Other NAFTC Updates include an article on the Clean Cities Learning Program First Responder Safety Training train-the-trainer course at Northern Virginia Community College.

There have been great advancements in the alternative fuels industry this past month. Under Industry Headlines, check out stories about the U.S. Army’s testing of 16 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the State of Illinois’ expansion of its electric vehicle charging network. You can also learn about a collaboration between Boeing, Airbus and Embraer that will enhance the use of biofuels in the aviation industry. In addition, Chevrolet and GMC are introducing bi-fuel, compressed natural gas pickups.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

Spring is almost here, and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is once again buzzing with excitement as we prepare for the 2012 conference season. Beginning with this week’s NTEA Work Truck Show and Green Truck Summit, the NAFTC will be busy exhibiting and presenting at alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle events across the country. We hope to see you along the way!

As you will read in this issue, the State of West Virginia is making a “Compelling Case for Natural Gas Vehicles.” I had the privilege of recently attending a workshop of the same name, and, through that meeting in Charleston, the NAFTC’s efforts caught the attention of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. The senator visited our facility, and he is excited about the work we are doing to decrease our great country’s dependence on foreign oil. Be sure to read a full report of Senator Manchin’s visit to the NAFTC.

Other NAFTC Updates include articles on the First Responder Safety Training workshops happening across the country, thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program. Two of our National Training Center (NTC) members are making news as well. Rio Hondo College now has a compressed natural gas (CNG) shuttle to transport students, and students in Alfred State College’s Automotive Trades Department are gearing up for two, high-profile alternative fuel vehicle races.

Under Industry Headlines, check out stories about Toyota’s unveiling of the Prius c and AT&T’s purchase of 1,200 CNG vehicles from General Motors. Also, learn about how biofuels made from seaweed may help power cars in the future. In addition, several alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles have made it into the “Top Greenest Vehicle” List for 2012.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

NAFTC Executive Director Al Ebron checks out a helicopter during a recent trip to the Advanced Vehicle Research Center (AVRC), a partner in the Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program, in Danville, Va.

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

Another new year has begun and is quickly rolling by as we find ourselves at the end of the first month. Last year we saw an abundant amount of infrastructure put into place, and the development of and support for education within the industry was encouraging and exciting. Our hopes for 2012 are that we see that same momentum and that this will be a year of continued innovation.

We at the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) are excited to announce the date for the 2012 National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey will be Thursday, Oct. 18. The NAFTC staff is already working hard to make this year’s 10-year anniversary event the best Odyssey yet. We are anticipating 250,000 attendees at 150 sites and hoping to reach more than 100 million people through media outlets.

Other NAFTC Updates include reports on the NAFTC’s most recent business and professional development meeting at the Tesla Motors headquarters and Peninsula College’s brand new Alternative Fuels Program. I would also like to welcome the consortium’s newest members, National Training Centers Modesto Junior College in Modesto, Calif., and Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Ariz.

Under Industry Headlines, you will read about Mitsubishi’s first U.S. delivery of an all-electric i fleet and the impact electric vehicles will have on the telematics market. The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $7 million for hydrogen storage technologies in fuel cell electric vehicles. In addition, the EPA has approved Alliance Autogas to convert 200 vehicles to propane, and Collins Bus Corporation is set to build its first CNG buses.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

The holidays are again upon us, and I hope you are enjoying this season of giving and receiving. Two-thousand eleven has been an exciting year, and I hope you will read our “Year in Review” story that recaps some of the highlights.

We at the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) are excited to announce the launch of another new website, afvsafetytraining.com. This site features information about all the NAFTC’s First Responder Safety Training, available through both the Clean Cities Learning Program (CCLP) and the Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program. We have available a suite of modern technology products and training for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. This suite of products includes instructor manuals, participant manuals, workshop booklets, quick reference guide, mobile device app and online training.

Other NAFTC Updates include articles on the NAFTC’s attendance at the California Automotive Teachers Conference, visits to three of our member schools in the Pacific Northwest and CCLP webinars delivered to the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program interns. I would also like to welcome the consortium’s newest members, National Training Centers Fresno City College and South Seattle Community College.

The latest Industry Headlines consist of General Motors’ announcement to sell a CNG bi-fuel pickup in 2012, Nissan’s release of a new fuel cell stack with 50 percent more energy, the DOE’s launch of the Vehicle Cost Calculator and Cracker Barrel’s unveiling of Tennessee’s first public electric vehicle Fast Chargers. In addition, you can read about 10 states forming the Northeast Regional Electric Vehicle Network.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is proud to announce the launch of the new National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey website, http://afvdayodyssey.org. This interactive site features tools that are helpful to site coordinators, hosts, sponsors, partners and attendees. I encourage you to check it out, subscribe to the RSS feed and keep up with all the new Odyssey-related information. And, if you are interested in being an Odyssey 2012 site coordinator, partner or sponsor, please contact us at Odyssey_Planner@mail.wvu.edu!

In addition, the NAFTC’s Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program First Responder Safety Training train-the-train courses continue, and I hope you will read this issue’s story about a recent unique workshop at the Center for National Response in Gallagher, W. Va.

Other NAFTC Updates include reports on Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition’s hosting of the Clean Cities Learning Program First Responder Safety Training, Lawson State Community College’s president being recognized by the White House, our participation in the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities’ 2011 National AFV Day Odyssey event and my presentation to the West Virginia University Electric Vehicle Association. I would also like to welcome the NAFTC’s newest member, National Training Center Nashua Community College in Nashua, N.H.

The latest Industry Headlines consist of Chevrolet’s announcement to begin producing the Spark EV All-Electric Vehicle, Coca-Cola’s expansion of its AFV fleet, Honda’s sale of the 2012 Civic Natural Gas in 35 states, Denali National Park’s testing of propane-powered trucks and GM’s recent demonstration of fuel cell vehicle infrastructure.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

At the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), we are proud of all the curricula and training opportunities we offer. Thanks to the Advanced Electric Drive (AED) Vehicle Education Program, we are developing cutting edge material that educates first responders, educators, technicians and engineers about hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. Currently, the NAFTC is conducting AED train-the-trainer (T3) First Responder Safety Training workshops for our members, while end-user courses will begin within the next few weeks. Please check out this issue’s story on the most recent T3 workshop.

In addition, welcome to our newest member, Associate Training Center Weaver Academy in Greensboro, N.C.

Other NAFTC Updates include reports on our participation in the U.S. General Services Administration’s National Safety Symposium, my presentation to the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities’ stakeholders and Tulsa Tech’s new automotive training facility at its Broken Arrow campus.

The latest Industry Headlines consist of Ford and Toyota’s collaboration to develop new hybrid systems for light-duty trucks and SUVs, Blue Bird’s production of propane-powered buses, Hyundai’s use of the Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to fight cancer and NASCAR’s one-millionth mile reached with E15.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

As the summer ends and the crisp, cool air of fall begins, the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is enjoying the back-to-school season. Our training centers across the United States are back in regular session, and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities for new members among those we have met during our travels.

Welcome to our newest National Training Center member Tulsa Tech – Broken Arrow Campus in Broken Arrow, Okla. Building upon an already strong alternative fuels program, Tulsa Tech – Broken Arrow Campus will host a dedication ceremony Sept. 16 for its new training facility, which will house the transportation department and its alternative fuel courses. The event will include appearances by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, U.S. Congressman John Sullivan, keynote speaker T. Boone Pickens and others.

Other NAFTC Updates include reports on the recent Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program Advisory Committee meeting, Chevy Volt and Eaton charging infrastructure training at the members’ Professional Development Meeting, the release of the 2010 National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey Executive Summary and attendance at several industry conferences.

The latest Industry Headlines consist of Chesapeake Energy’s compressed natural gas (CNG) RV and its tour of the U.S., Los Angeles and Long Beach ports’ launch of the world’s first fuel cell truck, Walgreens’ installation of 800 charging stations across the country and President Obama’s plan to achieve a 54.5 mpg fuel efficiency standard by 2025.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

Excitement at the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) just keeps growing! Our organization recently purchased a 2011 Chevy Volt, and we have already used it as a training tool at our members’ Professional Development Meeting July 27-29 at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine. The event also featured instruction on Eaton’s Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations. Thanks to all the members and industry partners who participated in a successful meeting.

You will notice that eNews is now featuring “Clean Cities Corner” – a new section highlighting activities of the Clean Cities Program and coalitions across the United States and how the NAFTC is working with the Clean Cities Program. In this monthly report, you will find updates on what is going on at the NAFTC in general and with the Clean Cities Learning Program. We hope that Clean Cities Corner will provide relevant and helpful information about training announcements, curriculum updates and Clean Cities’ news. Please check it out and give us your feedback!

In addition, welcome to our newest members – National Training Center, New Mexico State University Alamogordo in Alomogordo, N.M.; Associate Training Center, James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, N.C.; and small business member, Transfer Flow Inc. in Chico, Calif. Other NAFTC Updates include Kevin Herdler’s appointment to the Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program Advisory Committee, the NAFTC’s beta Propane Vehicle Training, the promotion of electric vehicles throughout West Virginia and Northeast Texas Community College’s Solar Photovoltaic Installer Course.

The latest Industry Headlines consist of FedEx’s additions to its fuel efficient fleet, the National Clean Fleet Partnership’s six new partners, the U.S. Postal Service’s green initiatives and Chesapeake Energy’s major investment plans for natural gas and biofuels.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

As the summer continues, the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is preparing for its upcoming members’ Professional Development Meeting, which is scheduled for July 27-29 at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine. We are extremely excited about this event because it will feature training on the Chevrolet Volt as well as Eaton’s Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations. After recent visits to both the General Motors plant where the Volt is made and Eaton’s manufacturing facility that produces the charging infrastructure, I can tell you that both of these companies are creating stellar products. If you are a member of our consortium, you will not want to miss this opportunity. To register for the meeting or for more information about becoming a member, contact NAFTC Business Operations Specialist Laura Tinney.

Welcome to our newest National Training Center (NTC) members – Community College of Allegheny County – North Campus in Pittsburgh and Alfred State College in Wellsville, N.Y. Other NAFTC Updates include President Barack Obama’s visit to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), one of our NTCs; the NAFTC’s participation in the Eaton Certified Contractor Network for Electric Vehicles Certification Class; the Clean Cities Learning Program First Responder Safety Training Train-the-Trainer workshop, co-hosted by the NAFTC and Clean Cities Coachella Valley Region; and Monongalia County Technical Education Center’s attendance at EV Challenge.

The latest Industry Headlines consist of the 2012 Volt’s availability in all 50 states, NASCAR’s use of ethanol, the U.S. Air Force’s testing of biofuel blends and the welcoming of the compressed natural gas (CNG) Ford Transit Connect taxi in cities across America.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

Dear members, colleagues and friends:

With summer comes the peak training season, and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium’s 2011 summer training schedule is now available on our website. We are pleased to offer a variety of courses on biofuels, natural gas, hydrogen and electric drive vehicles, to members and non-members. For more information or to register, contact NAFTC Business Operations Specialist Laura Tinney.

As with each issue of the NAFTC eNews, we have an abundance of hot industry topics and Consortium updates. Under NAFTC Updates, please check out stories on the NAFTC’s attendance at the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s Conference and Annual Meeting and our poster presentations at the U.S Department of Energy’s Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting, as well as my participation in two meetings that promoted the use of electric drive vehicles.

Meanwhile, NAFTC members Burton Center for Arts and Technology and Ivy Tech Community College – Lafayette have been busy building go karts powered by propane and electricity.

The latest Industry Headlines include the City of Chicago’s Green Taxi Program, the USDA’s expansion of its alternative fuels program, the National Park Service’s transition to alternative fuel vehicles and the introduction of the Alternative Fuels Act by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of us at the NAFTC if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director