Ohio Technical College's fleet of alternative fuel vehicles grows

The Alternative Fuel program at Ohio Technical College has more than doubled its fleet of technologically advanced training vehicles to 15 applications, including gas-electric hybrids, hydrogen, compressed natural gas, bio-diesel, propane, methanol, ethanol and garbage-powered vehicles.  

OTC, a provider of specialized technical training in a wide variety of transportation fields, is a member of the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) and one of a select group of training centers nationwide.  The college's hybrid fleet includes a Chevrolet Silverado, five Honda Insights, three Honda Civics, a Honda Accord and two Toyota Prius vehicles.

In addition, students receive training on a compressed natural gas Ford Contour and Ford Crown; a bio-diesel Mercedes; and a variety of stand-alone engines and transmissions supplied by manufacturers.

"With such as vast selection of vehicles on which to train, OTC graduates possess advanced skills that make them more knowledgeable, employable technicians," says Tom King, director of enrollment management, Ohio Technical College. "The foundation of OTC lies in providing a higher education that involves training on the latest equipment - especially hybrid technology - which will allow students to explore the electronic, computerized vehicles of tomorrow."

Recently, OTC students designed and built the Electro-Van, an all-electric vehicle that runs of the support of 21 batteries.  The Alternative Fuel training program covers the basic and advanced fundamentals of preventive maintenance, refueling procedures, troubleshooting and problem solving techniques on a wide range of technologies.

For more information, visit www.ohiotechnicalcollege.com.