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FLORIDA – In an effort to protect Florida’s environment, save taxpayers money and reduce the state’s carbon footprint,
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service recently purchased 72 electric-battery powered
Global Electric Motorcars (GEM®) cars for use in state parks. A division of the Chrysler Company, GEM® creates low speed,
neighborhood electric vehicles that run purely on battery and electric power.
“GEM® cars allow state park staff and volunteers to conserve energy and gasoline when traveling within parks and to nearby
destinations,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “The cars are more cost-efficient, saving valuable state funds
during this tough economic time.”
Using the new eL model GEM® cars allows the Park Service to maintain a high level of service to visitors while saving money and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using the energy efficient GEM® cars reduces carbon dioxide emissions within state parks since
the vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions. In addition, GEM® cars save taxpayer dollars, with virtually no maintenance or fuel
costs and an initial purchase price of less than $10,000 – half the cost of a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.
The GEM® eL model purchased by the Florida Park Service accommodates two passengers with a carrying capacity of approximately
750 pounds and a top speed of 25 miles per hour. The vehicles meet federal safety requirements for street-legal vehicles on
roads with speed limits up to 35 miles per hour and include many features of traditional automobiles, including safety belts,
an automotive windshield with wiper, headlamps, rear brake and tail lights, turn signals, mirrors and street-rated tires.
Powered by a 72-volt battery system, a typical GEM® car with fully charged batteries can get up to 30 miles on a single charge.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the
largest in the country with 161 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach, including the 2008
Best Beach in the Nation, Caladesi Island State Park, located off the coast of Southwest Florida in Pinellas County. From
swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails,
Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle re-enactments and Native American festivals
celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
Florida State Parks are also dedicated stewards of land management, engaging in prescribed burning, natural habitat management
and resource restoration and preservation.
For more information on Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
For more information on GEM® electric-battery powered cars, visit www.gemcar.com/.
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