Recognized for its environmental initiatives, the City of Santa Monica, Calif., presented its 3rd annual  AltCar Expo last fall. The event was cosponsored by the Los Angeles Times newspaper, environmental public and nonprofit agencies, auto manufacturers, and utility companies.

The AltCar Expo was held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Sept. 25-26. The event is known for its mix of alt-fuel and ultra-efficient vehicles by major auto manufacturers and smaller automotive industry suppliers. The vehicles include zero-emission electric cars and trucks, hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and those running on hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas, propane, biodiesel, and ethanol.

The free two-day event presented a ride-and-drive, 100 eco-friendly vehicles, and advice on how these vehicles can “green” the future.  General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt, which had its world debut in Detroit, made its West Coast unveiling at the Expo. Scooters, Segways, and electric motorcycles were also on display. Low-speed and freeway-capable alt-fuel vehicles were available to test drive and purchase.

Ride-and-drive vehicles included:
•    AC Propulsion eBox (all-electric conversion.
•    Honda Civic GX, natural gas vehicle.
•    Miles Electric Vehicles ZX40ST work truck and ZX40S advanced design car.
•    A123 Hymotion plug-in Prius PHEV.
•    Electrorides’ all-electric Mini Cooper.
•    Zero X Electric motorcycle.

Attendees were also educated on the benefits of earning tax credits by going green.

“Consumers have never been blessed — and cursed — with so many transportation options, and the choices we make will dramatically impact the quality of the air we breathe,” said Santa Monica AltCar’s Keynote Speaker Terry Tamminen, former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency. “The AltCar Expo provides an unmatched opportunity to learn about today’s most responsible and economical transportation choices.” 

Seminar speakers and panelists addressing the latest global transportation and energy trends included industry executives, grass roots advocates, and nationally recognized experts in public policy, mass transit, sustainability, engineering, and automotive technology.
Speakers included officials from the California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Department of Consumer Affairs, and California Fuel Cell Partnership. Expo attendees also learned about purchasing eco-friendly vehicles currently in development and mass transit options, charging infrastructure, new battery technologies, and maximizing gas mileage.