While budgetary concerns in Ketchum and Hailey could keep even the best-intentioned purchases on the back-burner, staff from both cities took time last week to inspect and contemplate an addition that could be an economic and environmental benefit in the long run.
Ron Gompertz, president of Bozeman, Mont.-based Eco Auto, swung through the Wood River Valley on his way to Boise, bringing with him two Miles Electric Vehicles, which he is demonstrating to state governments, municipalities and universities.
The zero-emissions vehicles he had on display Tuesday, June 3, included a four-door sedan and a miniature pickup truck, ranging in price from $15,000 to $20,000.
With the cost of gasoline now more than $4 per gallon, city staff expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of adding to their fleets a car that runs at a cost of approximately 1 cent per mile.
"This is very cool," said Ketchum Police Sgt. Dave Kassner, driving through Atkinson Park in one of the vehicles. "One of the best alternative vehicles we use are bicycles, but we're still looking. We would have to play with the budget, though."
Both Kassner and Hailey City Engineer Tom Hellen said that the low-speed vehicles, which have a governed top speed of 35 miles per hour, would have lots of applications around town, including street and park work.
Using six lead acid batteries, similar to those found in a forklift or motorboat, Gompertz said the vehicles could travel around 60 miles on a full charge. It takes around seven or eight hours when plugged into a regular electrical outlet for a full charge.
"You're not going to get into trouble because you can't get very far," Gompertz said of the cars' range and speed limitations. "But it's the right tool for the right application."
In smaller cities where the speed limit on most streets tops out at 25 mph, this is a non-issue, Kassner said. The relatively low maintenance schedule, as there is no need for oil changes and the like, make it even more of a cost-effective option.
"They are great for the intended applications," Hellen said. "For saving gas, these are impressive. But it goes beyond simply a question of money, as this would be a great demonstration of Hailey's commitment to improving the environment."
Ketchum District Ranger Kurt Nelson was sitting pretty while test driving one of two Miles Electric Vehicles that made a brief stop in Ketchum last week. Both Ketchum and Hailey city staffers expressed interest in these alternative means of transportation that cost as little as 1 cent a mile to operate. Photo by Willy Cook
