SMUD received an electrifying down payment of sorts with the delivery this week of 11 plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup trucks. Three more will be arriving later as part of a $97 million Chrysler demonstration project in select markets. “We were a logical partner for Chrysler because we’ve been testing alternative fuel vehicles for more than 20 years in an effort to improve the Sacramento region’s air quality,” said SMUD General Manager John DiStasio. “Environmental leadership is one of the SMUD’s core values.” Chrysler manufactured 140 of the Ram hybrid trucks under a U.S. Department of Energy stimulus grant that was awarded in the fall of 2009. “These vehicles were still in the co

Sacramento City Hall expects to add several new high-tech electric cars to its fleet in the coming months, thanks to a federal Department of Energy program. Five Chevrolet Volts will make up the first batch of electric cars coming to the city government later this year. The city can expect five Dodge Ram PHEV pick-up trucks to be available after the Volts, according to the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, which is organizing a local electric car program. Specific timelines for the arrival of the cars are not yet available. While the city will have some maintenance costs, the cars themselves will be free. The federal government gave grants to General Motors and Chrysler to provide

Wednesday, June 10 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is holding a rally entitled "Fight For Your Life" on the north steps of the Capitol to address budget cuts to HIV/AIDS services. "HIV prevention, care, and treatment [are] in peril," due to state leaders slashing funds for HIV programs, says the event's flier. The event is expected to draw 1,000 people. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) division has paired up with the Governor's office to display their new "Peapod" car on the east steps of the Capitol. The all-electric vehicle is made of over 95% recycled and recyclable material. "It can go on any road with a posted speed limit of 35 mil