Professors and students at the Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville Campus (CCBC-Catonsville) are celebrating the passage of the electric car bill HB316 (Motor Vehicles - Low Speed Vehicles - Standards and Restrictions) with a zero emission electric car donated by Global Electric Motorcars, LLC (GEM). Delegate James E. Malone, Jr., the bill's sponsor, presided over a ceremony to celebrate the passage of electric car legislation and the donation of the GEM car to CCBC-Catonsville.

NAFTC file photo Global Electric Motorcars, LLC, recently donated a zero emission electric car to CCBC-Catonsville.

While federal law mandates that low-speed vehicles are legal on all roads posted at 35 mph or lower, the vehicles need to be registered. Until the passage of HB316, there was no way to register electric vehicles in the State of Maryland. Now, electric vehicles, such as those made by GEM, can be registered. GEM is a division of DaimlerChrysler, and according to its Web site, it has produced more than 26,000 vehicles since 1998.

Many view the passage of HB316 as an essential step in getting the right kinds of clean air technologies into Maryland. The cars can help reduce pollution and create new opportunities for businesses.

Delegate Malone pointed out that the environmental qualities are just one of the advantages of the vehicles. "Establishing a legal framework for these vehicles is more than just creating environmental benefits; it is a boost for the local economy. The growth in the market for these vehicles will create new jobs and provide new opportunities for local businesses."

Terry Wolfe, Automotive Department Coordinator at CCBC-Catonsville, seconded Delegate Malone's sentiments by stating, "Electric and other alternative fueled vehicles are the future. Our graduates will fill a growing niche for specialty technicians who are well trained to support this emerging market." CCBC-Catonsville is a member of the NAFTC.

The donated GEM Model e4 is a button-nosed four-passenger car that is slightly bigger than a golf cart. GEM vehicles have sophisticated electronic and safety features, including safety glass, high-strength aluminum roll bars, and a powerful electric drive train, and they comply with all federal safety standards. GEM vehicles have been used by the Baltimore Police and the Department of Public Works at the Baltimore Inner Harbor and by security at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium.