| America imports about 70 percent of its oil, costing | | | | The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery provides electricity for |
| over $700 billion dollars a year. This last summer, Al | | | | trips up to 40 miles. The battery works with a |
| Gore challenged America to "commit to producing 100 | | | | gasoline/E85-powered engine generator that sustains |
| percent of our electricity from renewable energy and | | | | charge. When the battery is depleted, it can extend |
| truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years." We | | | | the car's range for hundreds of miles so consumers |
| know that the energy crisis will not solve itself; | | | | do not have to worry about running out of. Because |
| therefore, we must do what we can to reach this | | | | of its charging technology, the Volt can be charged in |
| goal and free America from its dependency. | | | | less than three hours on a 240v outlet. Moreover, GM |
| This year, the Santa Monica AltCar Expo featured | | | | estimates that the unique system only costs two |
| nearly one hundred energy efficient vehicles as well | | | | cents per mile while under gasoline- and |
| as demonstrated new cleaner technologies. | | | | emissions-free battery power. The Volt is scheduled |
| Attendees were able to ride and drive many of the | | | | for production at the end of 2010. |
| vehicles on display, allowing them to see and feel the | | | | Biodegradable Bikes |
| difference. For those of you who missed out, the | | | | One of the most impressive motorcycles at the |
| Expo will also be held at the Palmers Event Center in | | | | Expo was Zero Motorcycles' off-road X Electric |
| Austin, Texas October 17 and 18. | | | | Motorcycle. The biggest perk is that it is completely |
| Pedal Your Energy Savings | | | | biodegradable and landfill safe because of its |
| A great way to protect the environment while | | | | salt-based construction. That means it uses no oil, |
| keeping mobile is to ride a bike instead of driving. One | | | | mercury or lead! The Zero X also emits no fumes or |
| of the vehicles on display at the Expo was trioBike, a | | | | smells, meaning that it is safe for owners to bring the |
| bicycle that also doubles as a stroller developed and | | | | light-weight bike (145 lbs) into their apartments to |
| tested with cooperation from the Danish National | | | | charge. This bike is the new wave of off-road |
| Consumer Agency. It is guaranteed to be one of the | | | | vehicles. It is easy to handle and not noisy, which |
| safest carrierbikes available. It is lightweight, impact | | | | intimidates many female riders. The bike's lithium-ion |
| resistant, fire and weather proof, and easy to | | | | battery charges in one to two hours and holds for up |
| maneuver. The material used is a sandwich | | | | to 40 miles or two hours of ride time. It also can |
| construction of UV stabile and vacuum formed ABS. | | | | submerge in water, handle jumps and can reach 60 |
| It is 40 times stronger than a bike helmet and can | | | | miles per hour in four seconds. The Zero X is available |
| hold up to 175lbs, or two children between the ages | | | | for purchase and can be legalized for the bike lane. |
| of zero and nine years old. | | | | The street legal electric motorcycle, the Zero S, will |
| The stroller is equipped with comfortable seats, a sun | | | | be available for purchase in January 2009. |
| shade and two five-point safety belts. It also | | | | A Second Chance |
| connects to the bike with two quick releases, taking | | | | Over the last three years, the Santa Monica AltCar |
| about a minute to switch the brakes and detach or | | | | has been the hub for alternative energy vehicles in |
| reattach. The vehicle has its own unique patented | | | | the United States. This year the Expo displayed over |
| braking system designed for ease of use when | | | | one hundred alternative vehicles for attendees to |
| braking and assembling. The trioBike is a perfect way | | | | test drive as well as talk with representatives for |
| to run local errands while taking the kids out and | | | | each vehicle. The wide array of vehicles also included |
| getting exercise. You could also detach the stroller | | | | custom made electric cars using both lithium-ion and |
| and take the kids to the store and use it to hold | | | | nickel batteries, hydrogen powered and custom |
| groceries or just use the bike for ride. | | | | designed air powered vehicles and new technologies |
| The New Volt Takes You Farther | | | | for public transportation. Because of the AltCar |
| General Motors celebrated its 100th birthday this | | | | Expo's success, this year it will also be held at the |
| month with a new Extended-Range Electric Vehicle | | | | Palmers Event Center in Austin, Texas October 17 |
| (E-REV), the Chevrolet Volt also displayed at the | | | | and 18 from 10 am to 5 pm. The Austin Energy |
| Santa Monica AltCar Expo. Aerodynamics was one of | | | | AltCar Expo and Conference will include many of the |
| the key motivations for the design of the Volt, | | | | vehicles exhibited in the Santa Monica Expo as well as |
| especially since it plays a big role in driving range. | | | | a variety of speakers and panel discussions. |