Background:

Automakers are designing and building cars that produce less pollution and reduce dependence on oil. The cleanest alternative-fuel vehicle is powered solely by electricity and has zero emissions. Automaker Nissan has developed the Hypermini, an all-electric vehicle designed to carry two people comfortably around town.

On Nov. 7, UC Davis' Institute of Transportation Studies, a global leader in helping industry and policy-makers plan the transportation future, begins a research project to examine the markets for CEVs such as the Hypermini.

During the one-year study, dozens of people will use the Hypermini cars for work trips around the UC Davis campus and city of Davis. Those drivers will assess the cars on criteria such as interior space; speed and range; usefulness compared with other options such as walking, cycling or driving a conventional vehicle; and safety perceptions. UC Davis researchers will also assess whether vehicles such as these stimulate discussions in the community about issues such as air quality, climate change and energy supplies, and the role individuals and communities can play in resolving them.