State Parks Turn to Electric Cars

In the pristine wilderness of Peninsula and Potawatomi State Parks, where visitors are often told to “leave nothing but footprints,” cutting-edge technology may seem out of place. That has all changed over the last 18 months with the purchase of three electric vehicles for the parks.

The vehicles, which seat two and were made by Princeton, Minnesota-based E-Ride Industries, each cost about $18,000, according to Potawatomi State Park supervisor Don McKinnon. Potawatomi has one of the electric vehicles, and Peninsula has two.

McKinnon said the vehicles, which look like miniature pick-up trucks, are used primarily for maintenance. E-Ride’s website claims the EXV2 model purchased by the parks can carry up to 1,150 pounds.

The EXV2 has a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour and a maximum range of 55 miles, according to E-Ride’s website. Its 72-volt, 16.5 horsepower motor is powered by nine 8-volt batteries.

Although electric motors are usually used in lower-powered vehicles like the Toyota Prius, McKinnon said the parks have not had any problems with a lack of power. He said Potawatomi’s maintenance staff put about 1,800 miles on the vehicle last year.

“They’ve been a great addition to the parks, and they’re perfect for maintenance,” McKinnon said.