NAVAIR China Lake, Calif.--By Helen Huntley
Five four-passenger Global Electric Motorcars (GEMs) are hitting the high-desert roads aboard the NAVAIR China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station in Calif. These energy alternative vehicles may look like a golf carts but they are the latest transportation from automobile maker DaimlerChrysler.

“The GEMs have to stay in California and they have to stay on station,” said Sonny Smith the base transportation manager.

Executive order 13149 mandated that 75 percent of new vehicles purchased by the government be alternative fuel vehicles — ethanol-alcohol, electric or compressed natural gas.

In addition to the four from the Navy Transportation Equipment Management Center, five more of the same model are expected plus 10 two-passenger models. The Public Works Department, the Environmental Planning Office and the airfield crew will be among the first users.

There is a charge of 50 cents per hour, five and a half hours per day, 365 days per year. “That’s about $1,000 per year for rent and that includes the service, maintenance and tires,” Smith added. Customers may purchase hard doors for $1,700 or soft doors for $1,000. Heaters may also be added.

Beside the cost, most users want to know how fast the GEMs will travel. The answer is about 35 miles on one charge with a top speed of 25 miles per hour. The recharge is from six to eight hours through a 110-volt outlet.

Each GEM is fully equipped with an automotive safety glass windshield, turn signals, mirrors, wiper blades, head and tail lights and seatbelts.

Photo 1: The Global Electric Motocars, being used at NAVAIR Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, line up to get a six to eight-hour charge at the 110-volt outlets.

Photo 2: Transportation Department Office Manager Charity Blurton (left) takes a test drive with writer and driver Helen Huntley in one of the five Global Electric Motorcars at NAVAIR Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.