Alternatives to the gasoline-fueled car have been around since the 1800s. Today, cars can get 60-plus miles per gallon and zero-emission vehicles exist. AltWheels features more than 100 exhibits beating the high cost and pollution associated with traditional gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. Passenger vehicles on display will include the latest hybrid models, solar-powered and electric cars, plug-in hybrids that can be fueled at home through a plug, fuel-cell/hydrogen million dollar prototype vehicles, vehicles that run on compressed natural gas -- including CNG home-refueling options -- cars that run on used vegetable oil, and biodiesel and ethanol options. Non-auto transportation options include rides on the Segway HT-scooter, commuter bikes, electric scooters, bike-valet parking, and bike rides from the site. AltWheels will also display historical vehicles, including a 1920s Stanley Steamer and a 1914 electric vehicle.
'This year, we are proud to bring the first ethanol vehicles and distribution to Massachusetts,' Sander added. In addition to passenger vehicles, AltWheels will showcase alternative-fuel buses, trucks and public transit as well as a full display of bike and walking trails and other fitness options. Several of the alternative-fuel vehicles will be offered at discount prices to Festival participants. The Festival and Lawn Show are not just for adults. Vehicle demonstrations will be coupled with fun, games, food, entertainment and activities for the whole family.
AltWheels Alternative Transportation Symposium at Boston's Museum of Science
The AltWheels Symposium, on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, will preview the Festival, providing more in-depth information on the varieties of technologies that will be on display the following weekend. Panel discussions with industry experts will cover such topics as sustainable urban design, promoting the use of fuel-efficient and renewable-fuel vehicles for personal, government, and business use; initiatives to encourage ride sharing and increased use of mass transit; and innovations that all play an important role in creating a more sustainable transportation future.
Another exciting, informative event will take place at the Museum of Science on Thursday, September 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Museum educator David Sittenfeld will kick off the AltWheels Festival with the launch of hydrogen-fueled rockets on the front plaza, weather-permitting (inside, if it rains). He will also discuss the alternative vehicles on display nearby.
In addition to the September 16-17 Alternative Transportation Symposium, the Museum of Science will present alternative-fueled vehicles on its front plaza, with the stories and science behind them, through September 28. Visitors will be able to explore a CNG Honda Civic GX, an Austin Mini, which Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems LLC, based in Florence, MA, converted from diesel to run on vegetable oil; an all-electric Toyota RAV4; and a gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid. An electric/ hydrogen, fuel-cell hybrid, maxi-scooter from Vectrix will be on display in the Museum lobby. Live presentations by Museum educators on emerging alternative-energy technologies will be featured in the Current Science & Technology Center on an ongoing basis.
The AltWheels Vehicle Display on the front plaza of the Museum of Science is free and open to the public. The September 16-17 Symposium is free with Museum of Science admission. AltWheels members receive free Museum Exhibit Hall admission. For more information: www.mos.org.
AltWheels Admission
Admission to the Festival is free on Friday and Saturday, September 22 and 23 on Boston City Hall Plaza, and $7 per person on Sunday, September 24 at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline. Admission at the Festival's Auto Museum location includes admission to the Museum itself, and is reduced for those arriving by cleaner-transportation options.
AltWheels Fleet Day
AltWheels will host an invitation-only Fleet Day on Monday, September 25 at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, bringing industry and municipal fleet directors together to focus on the challenges and benefits of incorporating alternative fuels and vehicles into commercial and government fleets. Fleet Day will offer case studies on successful fleet conversions while providing information resources to assist fleet managers in reducing their fuel costs and pollutant missions.
AltWheels Schedule of Events
AltWheels Speakers Symposium, Boston's Museum of Science, Cahners Theatre:
Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Technology, Fuel and Infrastructure
Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transportation Choices and Smart Design
No extra charge with paid Museum admission. Free Museum of Science admission to AltWheels members and Symposium staff.
Alternative-Transportation Caravan: Thursday, Sept. 21, departing from the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline at 5:30 p.m. and arriving at MIT in Cambridge at 6:00 p.m.
AltWheels Festival: Boston City Hall Plaza, Friday, Sept. 22, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Larz Anderson Auto Museum, Sunday, Sept. 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: Awards Ceremony to be held at Boston City Hall Plaza on Friday, Sept. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fleet Day: Larz Anderson Auto Museum, Monday, Sept. 25, 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Note: By invitation only.
