Six electric cars arrive on campus -- quietly

While you probably have seen one of the six new electric cars driving around campus lately, chances are you have not heard them.

photo of Steven G. Poskanzer in one of our electric cars

Photo by Eric Gullickson

Steven G. Poskanzer, president of SUNY New Paltz, takes the wheel behind one of the six Global Electric Motorcars, or GEMs, recently donated to the college. They are among 130 that were distributed to 26 of the 64 SUNY campuses by Daimler Chrysler through a initiative with the New York Power Authority to cut pollution and save tax dollars.

The six quiet, five-horsepower vehicles that were donated to New Paltz last month are hard to miss; in fact, they conjure up images of the futuristic world portrayed in television programs like Lost in Space or Star Trek.

"They are definitely turning heads," said John Shupe, director of Facilities Operations. "I have been receiving a lot of inquiring phone calls since they’ve arrived."

The Global Electric Motorcars, or GEMs, are among 130 that were distributed to 26 of the 64 SUNY campuses by Daimler Chrysler through an initiative with the New York Power Authority to cut pollution and save tax dollars.

Shupe said that he projects the cars will save the college approximately $3,000 per year in fuel costs, and that they are perfect for around campus because they are so pedestrian friendly.

Four of the new cars will serve a variety of maintenance functions around New Paltz’ 216-acre campus. In addition, the mailroom and university police will each use one.

OCTOBER 27, 2003
Volume 1, Issue 2

Feature Stories
  ·Electric cars
  ·Phonathon
  ·Open House

What's New
  ·Graduation Deadline
  ·IMS
  ·Academic Senate
  ·Student Development Day
  ·Call for Nominations
  ·Athletics News

Bulletin Board
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  ·Awards & Honors
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