Washington, D.C. -- A group of electric vehicle owners in the Washington, D.C. area will celebrate April 30th, "the Great Gas Out Day" as they always do by not buying gasoline. "But we share every motorist�s concern about rising gasoline prices and its effect upon our economy." said Dave Goldstein, President of the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, (EVA/DC). "And we are worried about America's growing addiction to expensive imported oil."

The "Great Gas Out Day" was conceived on the Internet as a national consumer boycott on April 30th against rising gasoline prices. "But the simple reality," said Goldstein, "is that most Americans do not have a choice when it comes to rising gasoline prices and we won't have a choice until auto manufacturers offer us affordable, non-petroleum alternatives. The EV is one of the best options available. It's clean, fun to drive, inexpensive to operate, and with a 60-100 mile range, it's the perfect everyday commuter. And less than four percent (4 %) of all U.S. electricity comes from oil."

Goldstein has been critical of Honda Motor Company for pulling the plug on their "EV Plus", an all-electric minivan powered by advanced Nickel Metal-Hydride Batteries, available only in California. "Relatively few private owners have been able to lease an "EV Plus", he said, "but those who have succeeded have fallen in love with the car. Honda's premature decision to end its EV program says far more about its commitment to the Oil Industry than to its own customers," said Goldstein. "The only thing that has failed is Honda's will."

Honda has recently announced the introduction of new, smaller hybrid electric car, known as the "VV". "But the "VV" is basically a gasoline car with a small electric motor on the side," said Goldstein. "To make electricity, you have to burn gasoline and that is a giant step backwards."

For those who are tired of waiting for auto manufacturers to offer EVs in the Washington, D.C. area, EVA/DC, a nonprofit organization, offers alternatives. Several members have converted their gasoline cars to run on battery power. And there is a thriving network of used EVs rescued from federally-sponsored R&D programs that were established during the last Oil Crisis.

"EVs hardly ever wear out," said EVA/DC President Goldstein. "Maybe that is why some auto manufacturers do not like them. Few replacement parts are needed except for batteries, which are recycled every three to four years, and on rare occasion tires, brakes or perhaps a wheel alignment. And electricity costs far less than gasoline."

"I drive my EV to work and back for less than two cents per mile ($0.02/mile) of electricity," says Charlie Garlow, an EVA/DC member and Silver Spring, Maryland resident. "And I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am helping the environment while supporting American jobs and American energy instead of enriching sheiks and ayatollahs."

Laurel, Maryland resident Chip Gribben, along with his wife, Monica, converted a Ford Escort in their own driveway. "I just love the way it drives," said Gribben, who commutes daily in his EV to a job at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. "It is so smooth and silent- that it totally transforms the driving experience."

A number of advanced EVs, including General Motors' EV-1, Toyota's RAV4 EV, Ford's Ranger Electric Pickup Truck, DaimlerChrylser�s EPIC Electric Van and others are now operating in Washington and other major metropolitan areas, with support from Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), Virginia Power, other electric utilities, and a variety of government agencies.

Washington area EV drivers invite members of the press to accompany them on their daily commutes. To arrange a test ride, please contact:

Charlie Garlow, 202-564-1088.
[email protected]

Chip Gribben, 301-496-4385
[email protected]

EVA/DC is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 Educational Organization dedicated to promoting Electric Vehicles as a clean and affordable energy alternative.

For more information about EVA/DC, please see our Web Site:

http://www.geocities.com:80/MotorCity/Boulevard/2176/index.html