LaPorte Tests Electric Car

By Stan Maddux / Post-Tribune correspondent

LaPORTE — Strapped by $3 per gallon gas, the city has begun using an electric car.

And, more could be added if the battery-operated vehicle passes a test run.

“It drives very well. It’s smooth and easy to handle and very quiet,” said LaPorte Mayor Leigh Morris following a test drive Monday.

The vehicle, resembling a cross between a golf cart and pickup, will be used by the water department primarily to read meters.

Following a one-week trial period, Morris said the city will decide the merits of purchasing one or more of the vehicles for permanent use.

The sticker price is $10,600.

Possibilities include electric cars for the water, park and sewage departments and, perhaps, law enforcement duty.

“This could be a very good step for us to take both environmentally and economically,” Morris said.

The vehicle was also test driven Monday by U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, R-Elkhart, and will travel up to 25 mph.

Just like a regular gas powered vehicle, the electric cars have headlights and turn signals.

Other amenities such as heating and air conditioning along with stereo systems can be added.

The model being tried in LaPorte can travel about 30 miles on a single charge.

It uses six maintenance-free batteries, rechargeable by simply plugging a cord into an electrical outlet.

Completely dead batteries take about three hours to fully charge, but plugging in the car after short trips helps keep the vehicle ready for use at all times, said William Dice, a sales manager with McCreary GM Chrysler.

At no charge to the city, the Fowler dealership is providing trial use of the vehicle made in Fargo, N.D., by Global Electric Motor, a subsidiary of Daimler-Chrysler.

The vehicles are legal to drive on any Indiana street with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.

“We’re having a very good year with them. I think the price of gasoline probably has something to do with it,” Dice said.

Another major customer is Amtrak, which uses the vehicles in maintenance facilities.

They’ve also turned up at some high schools to cart injured football players off the field.

And, Niles, Mich., city officials purchased one for the police department last month.

“You can use it for a wide variety of chores. It’s very versatile,” Dice said.

Story posted: 8/8/2006