Electric cars for rent in Baltimore
A story in today's paper by Kayla Cross says electric cars are for rent or share in Baltimore. This may come as good news to those who were disappointed that ZipCar, now owned by FlexCar, didn't expand more in the city. It maintains just a handful of cars at Johns Hopkins Univeristy.
The city is also looking into its own car share program, called BaltimoreCarShare. You can sign up there for updates. Officials hope enough people are interested and will even be willing to give up owning a car in the city.
The electric car that will be for rent or sharing is a Maya 300, which has a lithium-ion battery that can be charged with any household outlet. It was made by the Canadian firm Electrovaya Inc.
It only has a top speed of 35 mph, but that should be fine for around town. It also produces zero emissions and gets 120 miles per charge.
The Maryland Science Center is offering free test drives with regular $14.95 center admission through July. In August, 10 cars will be available for the car-sharing program. The rates are $7.50 an hour after you become a member. If you rent, it's $14.50 an hour. Call 410-528-0150 or go to altcar.org for more info. Those in the program will be able to reserve cars online.
Sound like it would be workable?
Baltimore Sun photo of the Maya 300
Comments
Top speed of 35 mph? If that was 50 mph I would consider it. I wouldn't feel safe driving a maximum of 35 on roads like Key Highway and Lombard. Granted those are the posted speed limits, but most cars fly down those roads.
Posted by: NR | June 24, 2009 8:31 PM
There are many electric cars that travel at highway speeds. Exxon is hoping the general public will think all electrics are slow and tiny and silly looking but thats not the reality.
Posted by: dab | June 27, 2009 5:40 PM
There are many electric cars that travel at highway speeds. Exxon is hoping the general public will think all electrics are slow and tiny and silly looking but thats not the reality.
Posted by: dab | June 27, 2009 5:49 PM