California Cars Initiative (CalCars) is the second non-profit organisation joining cars21.com. The start up based in Palo Alto is promoting high-efficiency low-emission plug-in hybrid cars and harnessing buyer demand to help commercialise them.

Founded in 2002, CalCars aims to demonstrate the immediate opportunity and benefits of plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs). The organisation composed of entrepreneurs, engineers, environmentalists and consumers wants to tackle two of the greatest challenges: global warming and energy security with its “100+Miles per gallon of gasoline" hybrids. Millions of PHEVs, charged by off-peak electricity from renewable energy sources, and internal combustion engines powered by low-carbon alternative fuels, is CalCars’ ultimate goal to significantly reduce greenhouse gases that come from transportation.

In 2004, CalCars founder Felix Kramer built with the support of his committed team the first PRIUS+ conversion. Thus, they created the first PHEV based on the 2004 Toyota Prius using a lead-acid battery pack to prove the concept would work.

CalCars.org

The website CalCars.org maintains an open-source documentation of technological information and explains in detail what PHEVs are, which advantages this technology has to offer and where you can get a Plug-In Hybrid EV. A google map shows an overview of companies or people that have already converted a normal hybrid car to a PHEV including a list with pictures and contact details. Moreover, it offers news, videos, events, and “take action” possibilities.

Engaged in technology development, advocacy and public policy

Besides the technology development, CalCars is also involved in advocacy and public policy as well as the education of buyers who would pay extra for green cars. The organisation is exploring ways with public officials to establish incentive schemes for automakers to build PHEVs. By presenting its own converted PHEVs at public and private events, showing promotional videos, and makes presentations to different audiences, CalCars further spreads its message to consumers, political leaders and opinion-makers.

The California Cars Initiative is getting extensive support from the EV community including founders or members of the Electric Car Association, Plug In America, Energy Efficiency Solar as well as E/The Environmental Magazine to name just a few.

Contact Information

If you would like to contact CalCars for any enquiries, you may send a request to Felix Kramer directly.