The Council is pleased to announce that the US Department of Energy has officially designated the Land-of-Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition as the 86th Clean Cities Coalition in the nation. (See our photo gallery!)
Station Locator
Find alternative fueling stations in your area. Click here.
Alternative Fuel Accident Training
Training for first responders to deal with alternative fuel vehicle accidents.
Please join us on February 28, 2018 for a first responder clean transportation demonstration day at the NC Center for Automotive Research (NCCAR). Come learn about alternative fuel vehicles and clean transportation technology applications specific to law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services. The event will include class room instruction with real world case study results, hands on product static review, closed course ride and drive, and lunch. See and learn about available technologies that can save money, improve efficiency, and extend vehicle service life.
Thanks to UNC Asheville and the other organizations in our region that participated in the Southeast Alt Fuel Vehicle Demonstration Project (SADI). The goal of the 3 state project was getting folks into AFVs for multi-day test drives to acquaint them with the vehicles and learn about the benefits of driving a low emission, fuel efficient vehicle. Other fleets participating in WNC included the towns of Waynesville, Canton, Black Mountain, and Mars Hill, Henderson and Jackson Counties, Buncombe and Madison County Sheriff Departments, Blue Ridge Community College and the Biltmore Estate. Special Thanks to Alliance Autogas and ICOM for providing the propane autogas vehicles. The project was funded by a grant from the US Department of Energy Clean Cities Program and administered by the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition. Others interested in test driving an AFV should contact Bill Eaker at 828-734-7434.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have just released the 2018 Fuel Economy Guide. They publish the Guide each year to help new car buyers choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their needs. This online version of the Guide will be updated regularly on FuelEconomy.gov as additional information is submitted by the auto manufacturers. New and used car buyers can also use the Find-a-Car feature to compare the fuel economy of all vehicles sold in the United States since 1984.
ASHEVILLE — The Asheville Regional Airport has installed two electric vehicle charging stations on its property.
The airport said Thursday the stations are a part of Duke Energy's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project and were facilitated by the Land of the Sky Regional Council. The stations are installed in the airport's short-term parking lot near its new $22 million parking garage, which opened recently.
WHAT: A solar education meeting will explain the technology, construction, regulations, and economics of the utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that are increasing across North Carolina. In addition to providing an understanding of the development and operation of these solar electricity generating facilities, attendees will learn about the various impacts of these systems on the community and the environment. Specifically, an expert will address common questions about PV panel toxicity, EMF/radiation, economic impacts, system decommissioning, and more. An expert will also discuss the characteristics that make a site most suitable for solar and provide an overview of solar land leases. An opportunity for attendee questions and answers will be provided after a 50-minute presentation.
WHEN: December 7th 10:00-12:00
RSVP: Please RSVP, Anne Tazewell, 919-619-0185, aetazewe@ncsu.edu
WHERE: Land of Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140, Asheville NC 28806
WHO: Steve Kalland, Executive Director, NC Clean Energy Technology Center N.C. State University
WHY: North Carolina is experiencing rapid growth in utility scale solar. The Solar Energy Industries Association ranked North Carolina number two in the U.S. for cumulative installed solar capacity in 2016. The objectives of the Land of Sky Regional Council meeting are to educate attendees and to answer questions about solar opportunities within the County. These topics may include: solar basics, environmental health and safety issues, landowner considerations, land use and impacts, local regulatory topics, solar policy, local economic implications, and also non-utility scale solar topics (such as residential, commercial and community solar).
For more information and to RSVP Contact: Anne Tazewell, 919-619-0185, aetazewe@ncsu.edu
Wednesday, September 6, 7pm Electric Vehicles: Local Movement, Global Impact - A Sierra Club talk by Dave Erb and Pana Columbus Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville NC 28801 All are invited. EV owners are encouraged to bring their EVs early (at 6pm) for a show and tell.
Sunday, September 10, noon-4pm Free Electric Car Show Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville NC
Wednesday, September 13, 7pm Blue Ridge EV Club will host a screening of "Time to Choose" UNCA campus, place TBD. Discussion to follow the screening.
• Owner and Dealer cars on display including the 240-mile range Chevy Bolt and the Tesla Model X • See the latest plug-in electric car models • Electric Vehicle charging station demonstrations • Meet members of the Blue Ridge EV Club • Get answers to all your questions about costs, range charging, and more!
The Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center
Alternative Fuels Station Locator
Fuel Economy and Vehicle Comparisons
Fuel Fact of the Week
Fact #1141: Five Different Test Cycles Are Used to Determine Fuel Economy Estimates on New Light-Duty Vehicles
The fuel economy estimates that are shown on the window stickers of all new light-duty vehicles sold in the United States are a result of calculations and data from five different fuel economy test cycles conducted in a controlled laboratory setting.
The city cycle represents driving in stop-and-go traffic.
The highway cycle represents free flow traffic with longer periods of higher speeds.
The high-speed cycle represents both city and highway driving with more aggressive acceleration and braking.
The air conditioning cycle represents driving when the outside temperature is hot and the vehicle’s air conditioner is in use.
The cold temperature cycle represents driving when the outside temperature is cold.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies new vehicle fuel economy and makes adjustments to account for variables that are not included in the testing, such as wind, hills, and road conditions. Vehicles that are not tested include motorcycles; pickup trucks and cargo vans with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 8,500 pounds; and passenger vehicles, such as SUVs and passenger vans, with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more.
How is fuel economy determined and reported for alternative fuel vehicles?
Last month we learned about how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines and reports conventional light-duty vehicle fuel economy ratings. While alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fuel economy testing is largely similar to that of conventional fuels, the EPA makes some adjustments to account for different vehicle technology and fuel energy content. By tailoring AFV fuel economy testing and reporting, the EPA is able to provide apples-to-apples comparisons and allow consumers to make informed decisions.
Monday, January 15, 2018 - 12:32:15 
The city cycle represents driving in stop-and-go traffic.
The highway cycle represents free flow traffic with longer periods of higher speeds.
The high-speed cycle represents both city and highway driving with more aggressive acceleration and braking.
The air conditioning cycle represents driving when the outside temperature is hot and the vehicle’s air conditioner is in use.
The cold temperature cycle represents driving when the outside temperature is cold.