Plattsburgh State to Receive 10 Electric Cars

SUNY Chancellor Robert L. King today announced that Plattsburgh State and 25 other campuses have accepted the donation of 130 zero-emission electric cars from DaimlerChrysler and the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

"The use of these donated GEM cars on SUNY campuses will reduce by thousands of pounds the emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and other gases to protect the environment," said King. "It will also help SUNY control costs by eliminating the use of more than 15,000 gallons of gasoline per year."

The GEM, smaller than a "normal" automobile, is a five horsepower, two-and-four passenger vehicle with a top speed of about 25 miles per hour. It meets both National Highway Safety Administration and New York State traffic safety standards for use on private property and public roads with speed limits up to 35 miles per hour. The vehicles are equipped with three-point seat belts, safety-glass windshield, wipers, headlights, turn signals and mirrors.

Plattsburgh will be receiving 10 new GEM cars for use in its campus fleet of vehicles. They will be used on campus by various departments, including Environmental Health and Safety, Field House, Heating Plant, Mail Room, Maintenance and Operations and University Police.

Dr. John Clark, interim president at Plattsburgh State, said the College's use of the vehicles will benefit the environment and help the campus maximize its fiscal resources.

"Plattsburgh State receives low-cost electricity through the Plattsburgh Lighting Department. These vehicles offer greater fuel efficiency while minimizing air and noise pollution on campus for less cost. I cannot think of a better way to maximize our limited resources than through a generous gift like this. On behalf of Plattsburgh State, I want to thank DaimlerChrysler and NYPA."

"I'm proud of SUNY's and NYPA's role in encouraging the use of electric vehicles and thank DaimlerChrysler for working with us to improve the environment by expanding the use of alternative energy sources," said Governor George E. Pataki. "I applaud this effort and encourage all participants to maximize the benefits of these vehicles."
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A joint effort between the NYPA and DaimlerChrysler will place 300 zero-emission GEM neighborhood electric vehicles in service at more than 40 locations around New York State.

Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), a DaimlerChrysler subsidiary, has established a donation program in cooperation with NYPA to help state and local government agencies, public parks, state universities and colleges, and other non-profit organizations use non-polluting electric vehicles in an effort to promote clean air and reduce noise pollution.

SUNY is the single largest recipient through the NYPA/GEM donation program with 130 electric cars for use at 26 campuses; from Alfred in the Southern Tier to Plattsburgh in the North Country and Stony Brook on Long Island.

The Power Authority has joined forces with DaimlerChrysler because the GEM electric vehicles are the perfect match for SUNY and many public sector customers, said Eugene W. Zeltmann, NYPA president and chief executive officer. "These low-speed electric vehicles will replace an array of combustion powered vehicles now operating on SUNY campuses."

Barry Carr, GEM representative, said, "As the largest electric vehicle producer in the United States, we're happy to enter the New York market. In addition to zero emissions, the GEM offers lower maintenance costs, greater efficiency and the ability to operate on narrow thoroughfares such as campus roadways."