Marysville workers electric over car
Published 10:49 pm Thursday, August 7, 2008
MARYSVILLE — Allena Olson won’t be breaking any land-speed records in a GEM e4 electric car. She could deliver them.
Since it was added Marysville’s transportation fleet in April, the vehicle has seen extended use ferrying people and documents between offices and City Hall.
The car has driven more than 200 miles loaded down with public servants and interoffice mail. It’s also been turning heads on the streets of Marysville.
“People who check the car out like the reactions they get while in traffic,” Mike Shepard said. “Folks give them smiles, cheers, and thumbs-up. They think it’s cool.”
Shepard, who is the city’s fleet and facilities manager, has heard nothing but praise for the GEM e4. And what’s not to love? No oil to change, no air filter to change, no gas to pump.
“As our Chevy Malibus and other sedans come up for replacement a few years from now, we’ll be looking at more electric cars, depending on the technology,” Shepard said.
For its intended use, the GEM e4 is the very model of practicality, but since the maximum speed is only 25 mph, its role outside of transportation and courier duties is limited.
What it lacks in speed it makes up for in simplicity of use. City employees who use it sign the car out, unplug it from the electrical wall socket, then go. Compared to the Chevy Malibus in the fleet, the electric car is saving the city close to $300 a month in fuel costs.
“I have no idea about how much it’s costing us in electricity though,” Shepard said jokingly. “What if someone leaves the lights on in their office? Then we won’t get an accurate number.”
City spokesman Doug Buell likes the message the car sends. An electric car in the current economy with a nod to environmental concerns make the GEM e4 a physical representation of Marysville’s commitment.
“The good thing is that it’s getting used,” Buell said. “It shows the community we do think green.”
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
