Wisconsin State Parks Save Money and the Environment By Switching from Trucks to E-Ride Electric Vehicles

Princeton, Minn., 1/7/11—Wisconsin’s forward-thinking state park system had two goals when replacing trucks used for park maintenance and cleaning. First, they wanted to be good environmental stewards. Next, they wanted to save money. Amazingly, they did both—and much more—by purchasing a fleet of 15 E-Ride electric vehicles manufactured by E-Ride Industries (www.e-ride.com) in Princeton, Minnesota.

The 100% electric utility vehicles feature zero emissions. They also simplify maintenance. In general, they cost from 30 to 50 percent less to buy than a pick-up truck and are just a fraction of the cost to run: 2.0 cents per mile assuming $0.10 per kwh. They are also simple to operate. Made in America, these vehicles travel at up to 25 mph and run 40-50 miles per charge. The Wisconsin vehicles (EXV2) are “workhorse” models and feature a totally enclosed cab with a stake side truck bed (71”x58”). Some units were customized with full-length aluminum enclosures to protect the payload. 

According to Gene Tiser, Acting Peninsula State Park Superintendent, the vehicles are really being put to the test. The park has 468 campsites in 5 campgrounds, 3 group camp sites and 5 picnic areas. The E-Ride vehicles haul supplies and cleaning equipment to different flush toilet buildings and 17 vault toilets. It’s a full day’s work for both vehicles. Property staff re-charges the batteries nightly.

“These vehicles are quiet, have plenty of power and reduce the property’s carbon footprint. They’re roomy enough to hold supplies for a full day’s work, are easy for my workers to operate and are safe to drive” says Tiser.

The public’s response has been so positive that officials visiting from other parks requested information in hopes they could use them, too. Business people have also inquired about using them at their own facilities.

The administrative side is equally pleased. According to Landon Williams, Systems Manager for the Wisconsin DNR, “As a department, we are continually evaluating our programs and looking for new ways to streamline operations and realize savings. These E-Ride vehicles are one way we can accomplish those goals. Also, he adds “Visitors to WI State Parks (www.wiparks.net) are concerned about the environment, especially when it comes to conserving and protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources. When they hear that we are replacing vehicles with internal combustion engines in favor of vehicles with zero emissions, their reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.”