The Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition is promoting the use of alternative fuel and advanced-technology vehicles from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. today as part of Louisiana Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day, being held at the Capitol Park Welcome Center, 702 North River Road. Executive Director Lauren Stuart says the nonprofit coalition has no preference among cars that run on natural gas, electric batteries or a hybrid of gasoline and electric. “We are fuel neutral, so we support all alternative fuels,” Stuart says. However, the coalition does have opinions—based on success stories—on which fuels and technologies work best for certain uses: Hybrid cars are ideal for large fleets; electric cars are ideal for daily commuters; and heavy equipment that operates on compressed natural gas is best for construction sites. Stuart says cars with advanced technology are more durable than conventional gasoline-powered vehicles and have less wear and tear. And she says the biggest knocks against advanced-technology cars—that they have less horsepower or are too expensive—is no longer true. “Nowadays, you don’t lose efficiency,” Stuart says. The symposium includes panelists discussing the success of the public-private partnership between Apache Corp. and Lafayette city-parish for a compressed natural gas fueling station that opened in July, which the public has access to. She notes Royal Nissan’s move to install up to 20 free charging stations for Nissan Leaf drivers in Baton Rouge has helped to sell and lease a few dozen Leafs. Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is making the keynote address. Get all the event details here. —Adam Pearson
Today’s poll question: Do you think your next vehicle purchase will be an alternative fuel vehicle?
