Release date: Jan. 22, 2002
Contact: Nancy Seideman at 404-727-0640 or nseidem@emory.edu

Emory Previews Electric Car Pilot Program in Clifton Corridor Area

Emory and Georgia Power are serving as pilot sites for the Ford Think electric car in a program funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant through the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority. Other Ford Think car demonstration sites are based in California and New York.

Later this spring, Emory employees who participate in the university's alternative transportation program will be able to "check out" these vehicles during the work day in order to attend meetings and medical appointments, or to run errands. The electric cars, which currently are available in several Scandinavian countries, will be sold in the United States later this year by the Ford Motor Company. The vehicles can cover about 50 miles with one charge, and reach up to 55 miles an hour.

Emory has played a leadership role in forming and leading the CCTMA, comprised of major area employers, in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality in the area. The group has worked to request federal funding for expanded commuter option programs, and with other organizations to obtain funding for electric vehicles.

More than 22,000 people are employed by Emory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Cancer Society, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, Veterans Administration Medical Center and other groups. Taking students and visitors into account, more than 40,000 people travel in the Clifton Corridor area on a daily basis.

At Emory, more than 1,200 employees participate in the MARTA subsidy program, and nearly 400 employees participate in Emory's car- and vanpool programs. Emory is active in the state's Partnership for a Smog-Free Georgia and continues to work with other DeKalb leaders to bring MARTA and Georgia Passenger Rail Service to the Clifton Corridor area. Emory President Bill Chace received the 2000 Pacesetter Award from the Clean Air Campaign in recognition of his leadership role in supporting alternative transportation programs.

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