Not Just Thingamabobs: Present, Future of "Movement" Actualized at Alternative Energy and Transportation Expo
 |
World’s largest alternative car show—AltCar—to feature energy and transportation options
SANTA MONICA, CA – October 19, 2007: The Alternative Energy and Transportation Expo featuring AltCar (AltCar Expo), is a rare opportunity for anyone with a driver’s license to test drive the latest and most technologically advanced electric, natural gas, biodiesel, hydrogen, fuel cell and propane cars—some which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the show. The cutting-edge event will also feature hard-hitting panels of experts addressing solutions to energy and transportation issues—including the climate crisis—while working towards forward moving legislation.
 Honda Civic GX NGV |
This year, even more cars will be on display and test-drivable, with an expanded focus to include other types of alternative energy.
“After last year’s hugely successful AltCar Expo, the City of Santa Monica took the logical step to incorporate alternative energy into the program,” says Craig Perkins, environmental and public works director for the City of Santa Monica. “Like last year, at least 75 percent of the products and services on view at the Expo are perfectly viable alternatives that are currently available for purchase, and the test-drive opportunities should help speed the decision-making process for smart consumers.”
Highlights of this year’s AltCar Expo include:
• West Coast debut of the Vectrix, the world’s first high-powered, two-wheel, zero emission vehicle
• White Lightning, a 245 mph electric race car
• Unveiling of the University of California at Los Angeles’ (UCLA) cutting-edge air hybrid engine—improving fuel efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs of the more common electric hybrid
• Ecological and carbon footprint charting courtesy of 3 Phases Renewables and Sustainable Works
• Screening of two episodes from the energy series of PBS program e2: the economies of being environmentally conscious, produced by kontentreal and sponsored by Autodesk. The screening of “State of Resolve” covering California’s progressive energy policies will follow a panel of featured experts including former California EPA Secretary Terry Tamminen, former Assemblymember Fran Pavley and the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies Executive Director V. John White. “Paving the Way,” about mitigating the environmental impact caused by cars, also will be screened.
• California Energy Commission climate panel featuring a review of their 2007 alternative fuels report, the most comprehensive look at alternative technologies thus far
Outside the event showroom, attendees will have the opportunity to drive and purchase the most fuel efficient vehicles. Vehicles and fuel types represented will include hybrid, electric, hydrogen, compressed natural gas, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, high MPG gasoline and biodiesel. Other eco-friendly vehicles on display will be electric bicycles that go 45 mph uphill, mopeds and two- and three-wheeled scooters including the Segway.
An Emphasis on Long-Term Solutions Key policy makers from transportation, air quality and local and state-wide agencies will open this year’s event at a panel debating transportation technologies, infrastructure and strategies. The discussion aims to help generate future legislation and long-term energy and transportation policy. Speakers include California Air Resource Board Chairperson Mary Nichols, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Roger Snoble, Southern California Association of Governments Executive Director Mark Pisano, WestStart-CALSTART Executive Director John Boesel, CALTRANS Deputy Director Mike Miles, South Coast Air Quality Management District Executive Officer Barry Wallerstein, California Assemblymember Lloyd Levine and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair Pam O’Conner.
“For years California has led the world in innovative green technologies,” said Levine. “The AltCar Expo is playing a vital role in furthering California’s environmental leadership by introducing the future of clean transportation to the general public. I look forward to touring this year’s show to see the revolutionary new designs that will be on our streets and highways in the near future.”
Through its environmental and technological accomplishments, Santa Monica, the hosting city and a major sponsor of the AltCar Expo, has shown a capacity for worldwide leadership. The City has a long history of successfully incorporating alternative fuel vehicles into its daily operations and 81 percent of the City’s municipal fleet currently operates on alternative fuel and advanced reduced-emission technology.
Event sponsors include American Honda Motor Company, Farmers Insurance, Big Blue Bus, AutoDesk, Global Green USA, California Energy Commission, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Union of Concerned Scientists, Livingreen, Santa Monica College, Nancenet, Rand Corporation, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, 3 Phases Renewables, Whole Foods, National BioDeisel Board, Propane Education Council, Los Angeles Bike Coalition, Peterson’s Automotive Museum, C.I.C.L.E., Livable Places, Propane Education Council, Sustainable Works and UCLA.
For further information, visit www.altcarexpo.com or call (310) 390-2930.
