ExxonMobil and Electrovaya Launch Electric Car Sharing Program in Baltimore

23 June 2009

ExxonMobil is sponsoring an all-electric car-sharing and rental program, called AltCar, at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, MD. The 10-vehicle program (five now, with a further five cars to be made available to the public in the next few weeks) uses Electrovaya’s low-speed Maya 300. (Earlier post.) The Maya 300 is powered by Electrovaya’s Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery, which uses ExxonMobil Chemical’s separator film. (Earlier post.)

The AltCar Maya 300. Click to enlarge.

Under the program, Baltimore residents and tourists can rent these vehicles at the science center in the Baltimore Inner Harbor during the day to drive around the city to experience the feel of an electric vehicle. The five-door, five-passenger urban vehicle is equipped with the safety, performance and convenience features common to cars.

In addition to the car-sharing program and to help raise awareness among Baltimore residents and science center visitors about the future of energy efficient transportation, ExxonMobil also has developed an exhibit for the science center that includes hands-on activities for children and a full-scale car that showcases clean transportation technologies currently being used in the automotive industry.

ExxonMobil has invested more than $500,000 in the car-sharing program and exhibit, including the purchase of the vehicles and development of the exhibit.

In addition to the separator film, ExxonMobil also is working on a number of additional transportation technologies, including a new blend of synthetic rubber and nylon that enables tires to retain air pressure longer, as well as new lightweight plastics that enable auto manufacturers to improve a car’s performance while maintaining affordability and reducing fuel consumption.

ExxonMobil says it has invested more than $1.5 billion over the last five years to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases.

Electrovaya will showcase the Maya-300 at the 9^th National Motor Vehicle and Aviation Workshops and Exposition (FedFleet 2009) to be held 28 -30 July at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and the Navy Pier located in Chicago, Illinois.

Electrovaya has received approval for a C$16.7 million (US$14.5 million) grant from the government of Ontario to develop its patented Lithium Ion Superpolymer battery technology. An advanced payment of $3.3 million has already been received.