July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Electric Vehicles Charge Up Santa Monica’s Alt Car Expo:

Alternative vehicle test-drives, on-site purchase options, information booths, and expert panel discussions offered the public cutting-edge information on available options for cutting gasoline consumption and reducing carbon footprints at the fifth annual AltCar Expo and Conference at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium last Friday and Saturday, October 1 and 2.

New this year was the increased availability of affordably-priced, 100-percent electric cars for test drives and purchase. Nissan chose the Expo to kick off its countrywide drive electric tour for its Nissan LEAF. This compact hatchback can seat up to five people and will be available starting in December 2010 in Los Angeles. San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Tucson, and Tennessee. This car is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that is capable of giving the vehicle a 100-mile range with a single charge. The LEAF has a $32,780 Manufactured Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) before tax incentives and 20,000 people have already ordered it on-line for 2010.

Also part of the 100 percent electric car market is Santa Monica based CODA’s five-passenger sedan. This vehicle has a 90 – 120 mile range with a single charge. The range depends on the driver’s driving habits and the road conditions. One of this car’s unusual features is an active thermal management system to help minimize climate effects on the car’s battery performance. There will be limited delivery of this car in 2010. The CODA has a MSRP of $44,900 before tax incentives.

Some of the other electric cars that were part of the Expo were the Chevy Volt and the Toyota Electric Prius. Also on display were electric trucks and motorcycles and vehicles that run on natural gas.

Federal tax credits for electric drive vehicles range from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on the size of the vehicle’s battery. More information on federal tax credits can be found at www.fueleconomy.gov. California rebates of up to $5,000 are also available for Californians who lease or purchase electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles. More information on these rebates can be found at www.cvrp.energycenter.org.

Attendees also had the opportunity to test drive hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Many believe that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be the domestically powered, zero emission fuel cars of tomorrow.

Mass transit options were also part of the Expo. Participating mass transit agencies included Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus (BBB) and Metro. All BBB buses use alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Metro is currently working on building the Expo Light Rail Phase II project that will link Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles. They also are working on the Westside Subway Extension that will have several stops along Santa Monica’s portion of Wilshire Boulevard.

AltExpo also included panel discussions on electric vehicles, mass transit, hydrogen fuel vehicles, a tech review and debate moderated by State Senator Fran Pavley, and a behind the scenes look at the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize. Shares of this $10 million prize are being awarded in order to inspire the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...