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One of the major trends in the last decade has been the increasing hybridization in the vehicle population. The degree of hybridization varies from mild to strong including those capable of limited, all electric range. Some experts predict that hybridization will spread to 100% of vehicles in the next decade. In addition, the recent introduction of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has added a significant new dimension to the hybridization scene. This talk will focus on the global trends in hybrid sales, including plug-in hybrids, and will try to identify the various mechanisms, whether legislation or incentives, which are driving this increase in sales. Data will be gathered from various countries in the world including China, Europe, Japan and the United States. The potential for different mechanisms in play in the developed world compared to the developing world will be examined.

The CleanFleet project was a 24-month demonstration of five alternative motor fuels and control gasoline in 111 FedEx delivery vans. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-supplied vans from Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge were operated on compressed natural gas, propane gas, California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG), and methanol (M-85 containing 15 percent RFG). Electric vans on loan from Southern California Edison were also used by FedEx. Data were gathered on fleet operations, vehicle emissions, and facility and vehicle capital and operating costs. This paper focusses on implementation of 24 months of fleet operations. Vehicle activity is documented for each fuel. Practical issues resolved during the demonstration for use of each fuel by a commercial fleet operator are summarized. Topics include procuring vehicles, fueling vehicles, storing vehicles indoors, maintaining vehicles, and training drivers and mechanics.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District's three-tiered Air Quality Management Plan, adopted in March 1989 and subsequently approved by the California Air Resources Board, places major emphasis on the development and commercialization of Low Emitting Vehicles (LEVs) and Extremely Low Emitting Vehicles (ELEVs) to attain ambient air quality standards in the Los Angeles basin, no later than 2007. Electric vehicles are currently the lowest emission vehicle technology under development and commercialization, and therefore represent key vehicle technologies for Tiers II and III. This paper presents an overview of the various activities underway in Southern California to overcome the critical technological barriers and allow EVs to realize their full potential. The SCAQMD encourages battery and component manufacturers to aggressively pursue the potential for EVs to displace large numbers of gasoline-powered vehicles as soon as possible.