UW-Stout discovers its ZENN fits sustainability philosophy

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Electric vehicles "fueled" by electricity from renewable sources would cut pollutants and green house gasses while reducing reliance on petroleum. From a story by Pamela Powers in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram:

Receiving a parking ticket can be a stressful event, but UW-Stout students might feel a little better if they know that the vehicle used by university parking personnel is an environmentally friendly electric car.

UW-Stout's Zero-Emission, No Noise (ZENN) electric vehicle is part of campus sustainability efforts.

Ten feet long and 5 feet wide, the Canadian-made ZENN seats two people. Its estimated operating cost is 1 to 2 cents a mile. By comparison, a conventional gas vehicle costs 8 to 12 cents a mile.

The car - designed for neighborhood or urban use - has a maximum speed of 30 mph, said Sgt. Keith McCarten of UW-Stout's security and police services.

"Stout has always been a technology leader," McCarten said. "The move on campus is to do things that are sustainable. This seems right for the economy, ecology and to cut the carbon footprint as a whole.

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