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Ford's Electric Vehicle Sparks University's Interest

25 September 1997

Ford's Electric Vehicle Sparks University's Interest

    DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 25 -- Students at the University of
Michigan may be seeing a new type of vehicle on campus, but the only
difference they'll notice is how quietly it runs.
    The University of Michigan today displayed Ford Motor Company's
Ranger Electric Vehicle (EV) and expressed interest in adding several electric
vehicles to its fleet.  After a 10-day test drive, the university found the
Ranger EV ideally suited to the needs of many different departments.
    "We need vehicles that are reliable and versatile, and the Ranger EV is an
excellent fit for us," said Pat Cunningham, manager of the university's
Transportation Services department, which operates a 900-vehicle fleet.
    "Unlike some vehicles, the Ranger is well-suited for a university
atmosphere," Cunningham explained.
    "When our grounds or maintenance crews are maneuvering through a crowded
campus, we need a vehicle that's manageable.  The Ranger is not too big for
that job, but it still has the cargo capacity we need."
    Besides that, Cunningham added, the university community tends to include
many people who are environmentally sensitive and very interested in the
latest technology.
    Based on the best-selling Ranger pickup truck, the electric Ranger is
powered by lead-acid batteries and has a driving range between charges of 50
miles.  It accelerates from 0-50 in 12.5 seconds, similar to the
gasoline-powered Ranger.  The vehicle is targeted primarily to utilities,
government fleets and key commercial fleets.
    "We're looking at universities as a terrific opportunity for electric
vehicles," said Mike McCabe, worldwide marketing manager for Ford Alternative
Fuel Vehicles.  "University vehicles need the toughness and durability that
Ford trucks are known for, and the Ranger EV is quiet and pollution-free,
which are added benefits to a densely populated campus environment," he added.
"The Ranger also makes sense because the campus atmosphere generally means
lower mileage requirements."
    According to Cunningham, most vehicles in the Transportation Services
fleet rarely leave Ann Arbor, and some rarely leave the University of Michigan
campus.
    Cunningham anticipates using electric vehicles to transport both people
and equipment for the grounds, maintenance and engineering departments, and to
serve as a courier vehicle for delivering materials between locations on
campus.  Some vehicles also would be leased to other university departments.
    "We've had a great reaction among the people that have driven the Ranger
in the past week," he added.
    "It has received an enthusiastic 'thumbs up' from everyone so far."

SOURCE  Ford Motor Company