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Public Works Department Introduces Electric Vehicles on Base

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120209-15
2/9/2012

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- New battery powered vehicles arrived at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (NASCC) Jan. 20 that will help reduce petroleum usage and decrease pollution caused by motor vehicle exhaust.

"The best thing about these vehicles is that they can be recharged at any 110 volt outlet," said Armando Saenz, Base Support Vehicles and Equipment branch head.

In an effort to use less fossil fuels, additional options are now available to drivers along with driving smaller cars, hybrid vehicles, or using biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

The Vantage Vehicle Green Trucks now have plenty of green impact at NASCC. They differ from previous electric vehicles by the noticeable solar panel on the roof of the cab, which helps maintain the charge in the vehicle's battery. The vehicles are referred to as slow moving vehicles (SMV) with top speed of 25 MPH and can be driven 35 miles without recharging. SMVs at present time are for on base usage only.

"Who would have ever expected this day to come," said Saenz.

"We realize that converting our primary supply of transportation fuel from oil to electricity may seem to be a radical program, but it is a tremendously promising path," said Charles Mendoza, production officer. "If we follow this path nationally, we could reduce or even eliminate our dependence on foreign oil in just two or three decades and dramatically cut back on our greenhouse gas emissions."

The cost-savings are obvious when one compares the costs of vehicle rental, fuel and maintaining a vehicle versus a green vehicle, electric vehicles also offer significant benefit to the environment.

This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps which will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve Secretary Ray Mabus' energy goals to improve our energy security and efficiency afloat and
ashore, increase our energy independence, and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.

The Public Works Department and Security at NASCC will be introducing the new green vehicles for patrol around the installation.