National Alternative
Fuel Vehicle Day

ABOUT

National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey is a biennial, outreach and education event dedicated to promoting the use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

Odyssey was developed in 2002 by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) a program of West Virginia University .The NAFTC has conducted the event biennially since its creation, with the exception of moving the 2016 event to 2017.

Odyssey is comprised of numerous green transportation related events coordinated and hosted by NAFTC members, Clean Cities Coalitions, and others who believe in cleaner, more energy efficient forms of transportation. These local events take place throughout the U.S. and internationally. Visit the Host section to learn how you can host an Odyssey event in your area.

Activities Nationwide

Each local event site offers unique activities designed to educate attendees about cleaner transportation technologies and is tailored to the specific needs of the site’s given audience. Examples of such activities include:

  • ride-and-drives
  • vehicle displays
  • workshops
  • demonstrations
  • panel discussions
  • trivia contests
  • automotive lab tours
  • EcoCar garage tours

Additionally, industry experts are often on hand at Odyssey events to answer questions, and educational seminars are frequently featured to provide detailed information about viable alternative fuel options and how they apply to the audiences’ local communities. (Visit the Past Events or Executive Summaries page for details about past events.)

Message Reaches Millions

Since the inaugural National AFV Day Odyssey in 2002, the number of Odyssey site locations and attendance has grown from approximately 17,000 attendees at 51 events to more than 100,000 individuals attending one of 107 events in 2014. Additionally, media reach has multiplied dramatically during this period, from less than 20,000 individuals reached in 2002 to more than 200 million people being touched by National AFV Day Odyssey’s message via media outlets in 2014!

The worldwide recognition of National AFV Day Odyssey has enabled millions of individuals to become aware of the difference alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles can make in our nation’s energy security and our quest for cleaner air.

Collaborative Effort – Networking Opportunities

Odyssey presents significant networking opportunities to all who participate in this well respected, cooperative event.

This extraordinary collaboration includes national and local sponsors and partners including a vast number of like-minded companies, organizations, groups, and individuals. (Click here to see list of past sponsors/past events.)

Importance

  • The continued education made available through National AFV Day Odyssey is crucial in order for consumers to make well informed and environmentally friendly choices in transportation. In the midst of regularly rising gas prices, increased public awareness is an essential step toward helping to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and improving our quality of air. Odyssey makes a positive impact by bringing up-to-date information to consumers about energy efficient vehicles and cleaner fuels that are viable options to consider when purchasing a vehicle.
  • National AFV Day Odyssey provides much needed support and recognition to the manufacturers that make AFVs and advanced technology vehicles available for individuals everywhere.
  • Odyssey is a well defined endeavor that brings together industry experts and fosters ideas, research, and education in the alternative fuel and advanced technology fields.