SamoHi "Team Marine" Will Showcase Converted 1971 VW Beetle at AltCar Expo

Santa Monica, CA - - Students at santa monica high school, part of "Team Marine," will be showcasing "Volts Wattson," a 1971 red convertible VW Super Beetle that they converted into an all-electric vehicle. This will be the fourth year that Samohi students have participated in AltCar with their Electric Vehicle. Since last year, some improvement were made to the electrical and mechanical systems thanks to financial support from Wells Fargo.

"Team Marine" is an environmental science teen action group dedicated to advancing sustainability and climate literacy. There are currently 10 members, ages 14 to 17. "We are currently looking for additional funds to make further mechanical improvements to Volts Wattson as well as continue community outreach at schools and events," says Benjamin Kay, Samohi teacher and Team Marine advisor.

Besides Wells Fargo, other financial and/or technical assistance was provided by: the Poon-Fear family in Santa Monica who donated the car, "Reverend Gadget"(Greg Abbott) at Left Coast EVs, Plug-In America, Trexa, Alliance for Climate Education, QuikSCience, TeenNick, Gas to Electric Conversions, and the City of Santa Monica.

The 2016 AltCar Expo, region's premier transportation show dedicated to alternative fuel vehicles and alternative modes of transportation, will be held September 16 and 17, at the Santa Monica Civic parking lot and East Wing. The Expo will run from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. both days with free ride and drives all day of a vast array of the latest alternative fuel vehicles on the market. The event is free and open to the public.

The goal of AltCar is to provide a very accessible and comprehensive setting where both industry and general public can discover existing alternatives to the way they use energy and transportation and motivate everyone to take further action. California leads the nation in alternative vehicles, incentives and fueling stations, with many states now following the state's example and implementing programs similar to those in California.

To learn more about the vehicles and to register for the Friday Government Fleet & Industry Conference, visit http://altcarexpo.com/. All panels on Saturday are free and open to the public.

As always, mass transit exhibits and information will be available. Come learn more about the new light rail lines and bus routes.

For additional information on the 2016, visit http://altcarexpo.com or call (310) 390-2930.