SACRAMENTO– Two alternative-fuel experiments using California state employees as test drivers are under way to help auto manufacturers and green-fuel producers find a way to get motorists into cars that reduce Californians’ dependence on petroleum, according to the San Jose Mercury newspaper. Both projects are operating outside the regular state fleet.

In the first, a computer chip is tracking 20 Chevy Impalas and Silverados, collecting data on fuel economy, responsiveness, and reliability as the vehicles run on E-85. Only cars in this project, operating out the state Department of Transportation, have access to ethanol pumps.

In the second experiment, state employees are driving 10 hydrogen-powered cars — and providing verbal and written feedback. Automakers say they are up to 10 years away from having such vehicles ready for mass marketing.