Hybrid technology was first introduced in December of 1999 when the Honda Insight made its debut as America's first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. The original Insight earned an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 70 mpg.
Hybrid technology drastically changed the landscape of the automotive world—and the world in general—by offering a cleaner, more efficient transportation method. The inception and evolution of hybrid technology has played a critical role in the evolving fight against global warming.
The original Honda Insight, Honda’s first hybrid, was the inspiration for Honda’s 5th generation hybrid, also named the Insight:
A “Celebration of Hybrids”
Honda Motorwërks will be hosting festivities commemorating this milestone in clean energy transportation on Saturday, December 12, at Honda Motorwërks, located at 500 4th Street South La Crosse WI. Admission is free and the general public is invited to attend.
Activities for the “Celebration of Hybrids” event will begin at 10 a.m. and will include:
10:30– 11:00
Panel of current hybrid drivers to answer questions regarding hybrid driving and ownership
11:00– 11:15
15 minute driving clinic for participants to learn fuel efficient driving tips
11:15 – on
Hybrid test-drives where participants can try out the driving tips they learned during the
driving clinic
Special guest Eric Powers, founder of Madison’s Hybridfest, will present on the
progression of hybrid awareness and provide information about this year’s Hybridfest Green Drive Expo
12:00 – 12:30
Special guest Bradlee Fons, founder of the Milwaukee Area Hybrid Group, along with renowned hypermiler Justin Fons will share stories and answer questions about hypermiling and discuss the Drive $mart America program
12:30 – 1:30
Lunch
The Hybrid Guru
Since its beginning, Chris Schneider, owner of Honda Motorwerks, has been an advocate for hybrid technology—teaching others about hybrid technology and its benefits. Chris presents at energy fairs, schools, and conferences, in addition to hosting his own events—all to raise awareness of the clean energy transportation options available. He is recognized in the industry as a hybrid technology expert—earning him the nickname “The Hybrid Guru.” Chris will be in attendance at the “Celebration of Hybrids” to answer questions and provide his “Insights.”
Bradlee Fons
Bradlee Fons is a nationally recognized expert, spokesperson, and teacher on driving techniques that save fuel, reduce maintenance costs, and improve safety. He is the co-founder, along with his son, of the Milwaukee Hybrid Group (MiHG), the largest hybrid owners group in North America with over 1,100 members in 10 states and Canada. Bradlee has co-developed a fuel efficient driver training program called Drive $mart America (D$A) which can teach drivers to achieve fuel savings of 10–30%, or more. This program grew out of years of personal driving experience, and with the teaching of fuel efficient driving techniques with the MiHG. Read Bradlee Fons’ complete biography.
Justin Fons
Justin Fons drives a 2000 Honda Insight (EPA rated 66 mpg). Justin was the youngest driver in the first annual 2008 World Fuel Economy Championship held in Indiana. Competing against 18 of the best fuel efficient drivers in America, Justin placed second in the Prius Division (EPA rating 46mpg) with 131 mpg. In the Insight Division (EPA rating 66mpg), Justin placed seventh with 146 mpg.
Justin added a second world record to his accomplishments when he and two other drivers broke the 48 Contiguous State Fuel Economy Record while driving a 2009 Honda Civic over 7,558.8 miles. While they were required to enter and drive into every state in the lower 48, Justin and his team achieved an average of 68.54 mpg, shattering the previous record of 58.82 mpg. Read Justin Fons’ complete biography.
Free Tire Pressure Checks
According to Bradlee Fons, checking tire pressure is the most elementary and simplest tool to promote safety and improve fuel economy in any vehicle. He says, “With gas at $3 per gallon, drivers that have properly inflated tires can take .12 off the price of regular gas and can save over $400 a year in fuel costs.” In addition, the National Traffic Safety Administration notes that 87% of all tire failures show evidence of under- inflation, contributing to 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries annually.
Hybrid technology was first introduced in December of 1999 when the Honda Insight made its debut as America's first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. The original Insight earned an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 70 mpg. 