ECC looks to green up auto program with hybrid cars

Elgin Community College is weighing spending some green to teach green technology.

The board of trustees will vote Tuesday to purchase two hybrid cars for its 250-student automotive program.

The cars, a 2009 Honda Civic and a 2009 Toyota Prius, would cost the college $45,760.

Gary Norden, associate automotive program coordinator, said that up to now, classes have talked about hybrid technology, but have had no hands-on experience.

Hybrid technology, Norden said, can be utilized in nearly every automotive course at ECC - whether in brakes, engines, heating and air conditioning, electricity, fuel and ignition systems or advanced diagnostics classes.

"We'll use them for training and awareness as well," Norden said.

Moving from a 12-volt gasoline powered car to a 300- or 400-volt hybrid, "could be potentially dangerous," he said. "A lot of the training will be stemming around hybrid safety."

If approved by the board, Norden said ECC could have the cars by the end of the week.

"We'd want to introduce the students to them right away," he said. "As soon as we get them, we'll gather everybody around and take a look."