Fuel Efficient Vehicles

Vision: Our cars are efficient and powered by clean energy

About 50% of the energy used in our county goes to move people and goods, and the vast majority of this is for personal transportation. CEC’s vision is that people in our region drive the most efficient cars that meet their needs.

Electric cars get about 100 mpg equivalent and can be powered by clean energy, not oil. There are also many smaller ultra-efficient cars, clean diesels, and hybrids that get at least 40 mpg.

WHAT CEC IS DOING

Showcasing Technology — CEC hosts three Green Car Shows a year, including one at Earth Day — the longest running public green car show in the nation — as well as annual shows in Ventura and Santa Maria. The Santa Barbara Green Car Show now offers Ride and Drives, so potential buyers can experience these new technologies first-hand. 

Laying Infrastructure — To prepare for the thousands of electric vehicles expected to hit Santa Barbara streets in the next few years, CEC launched Plug in Santa Barbara with a group of utilities, businesses, and cities.

Plug in Santa Barbara is working to build and upgrade public charging stations, create incentives for electric cars, and position our region as an important connector on Highway 101 between San Francisco and Los Angeles. New charging stations will be built starting in 2011.

Plug In Santa Barbara

Plug-in electric vehicle owners like Roger Freedman (pictured with his Nissan LEAF) can run their home and their car on clean energy when they install solar panels at home.

Learn more about Plug In Santa Barbara - CEC's program to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to the Central Coast and make it easier to use EVs in Santa Barbara County.

Helping Schools and Agencies — CEC works with managers of large fleets to keep them up-to-date on new technology. We helped Ventura Unified School District get the first plug-in hybrid electric school bus in southern California, and we are working with fleet managers on greening their vehicle fleets.

Educating Buyers — CEC reaches out to the community at workshops and forums, and through the media, to educate about fuel efficient vehicles and sustainable transportation. We organize three Green Car Shows each year, workshops, and driveway parties for potential electric car buyers, with specific “how to” details on securing a government rebate and permitting a home or office charging station. Check our community events page and the CEC blog for updates. We want to see you driving on sunshine!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Purchase an Electric or Hybrid Car — If you’re thinking about your next car purchase or lease, the best options are hybrids that get over 40 combined mpg, and electric cars that get 100 mpg equivalent. There are now over 20 hybrid models in all shapes and sizes on the market and by 2012 we will see an additional dozen models of electric vehicles on the market. > Get Started with Better Transportation

200,000,000 Gallons

Amount of gas and diesel fuel used in Santa Barbara County each year for transportation.

Buy a More Efficient Vehicle — If you can’t go electric right now, it may make economic and environmental sense to buy an efficient car for its primary use (commuting) and rent or borrow an occasional-use SUV or truck when something larger is needed. There are new ultra efficient cars that are small, safe, high tech, and affordable – and get over 40 mpg. If you’re looking for more performance, opt for a clean diesel vehicle with similarly high mpg. > Get Started with Better Transportation

Host or Attend a Driveway Party — CEC is seeking people to host or attend a Driveway Party where you invite friends and others in your networks to check out new electric cars.  > This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Install Business Charging Stations — CEC is working with local property management groups and business owners interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations. If you’re a business owner, talk with us about installing charging stations for your employees and customers. > This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Stay In Touch & Take Action — CEC will be calling on the community to support the development of public charging stations in the near future. Sign up for e-mail alerts and we’ll notify you when you can take action. Connect with us via Plug In SB on Facebook.