Cool wheels: AltCar Expo to display environmentally friendly car technology.

THANKS to the success of the Prius and other hybrid-fuel vehicles, there are more alternative cars on the road than ever. But they still represent less than 1 percent of today's traffic.

The city of Santa Monica and Platia Productions, a company focusing on environmental technology, hope that AltCar Expo, an ambitious exhibit of alternative-fuel vehicles, will be a step into a more energy efficient future.

"There is a huge amount of pent-up desire to drive a car that is more sustainable and to get around without making such a negative impact on the environment," said Christine Dzilvelis, Platia's owner. "But most people are not aware of the technologies that exist today."

The expo is scheduled for the Santa Monica Pier on Dec. 9 and 10, at the same time as the L.A. Auto Show at the Convention Center. There will even be a shuttle bus carrying visitors from downtown to Santa Monica for the event.

Altcar will feature about 60 environmentally friendly vehicles, including hybrids, high-mileage gasoline cars, and cars that run on alternative fuels such as ethanol, natural gas, electricity and biodiesel. Electric bicycles will also be showcased.

Exhibitors will range from small private companies to major manufacturers, such as American Honda Motor Co., which will bring the natural gas-powered Civic GX, and Phill, a home-refueling appliance.

San Carlos-based Tesla Motors Inc. will present its Tesla Roadster, a two-seat electric sports car that can travel 250 miles on a single battery charge. It accelerates from zero to 60 miles in four seconds, and has a top speed of 130 miles per hour.

Other exhibitors include Dynasty Electric Car Corp., which produces a line of utility vehicles; EDrive Systems LLC, which makes a plug-in battery upgrade for the Toyota Prius; and Feel Good Cars Corp., maker of a zero emissions vehicle.

"The average American drives about 30 miles a day, and most of that is spent on crowded freeways where the car is just spitting out exhaust fumes," said Mike Harrigan, vice president of marketing for Tesla. "The AltCar Expo is a great opportunity to raise awareness that products like this exist."

Along with the indoor showroom, the expo will include test-drive opportunities and a series of seminars comparing fuel options.

Dzilvelis said the goal of the event is to educate people on making environmentally friendlier transportation choices for cleaner air and less dependence on foreign oil.

But exhibitors also hope to make some money, so many of the products will be for sale at the expo.

"The price of oil, national security, health concerns, and environmental damage are all issues that need to be addressed now," said Rick Sikes, fleet superintendent of the city of Santa Monica. "Making more fuel-efficient decisions can help."

VICTORIA DEGTYAREVA Staff Reporter