Atlantans to Get Sneak Peek of Electric Car-sharing Service Coming in 2003

ATLANTA, July 1 -- eMotion Mobility LLC, a developer of personal mobility systems, today announced its electric car will serve as the official pace car of the 2002 Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 10K road race. As the pace car of the 33rd annual race, Atlanta-based eMotion will introduce its prototype all-electric car to an estimated 200,000 spectators and runners, providing a preview of the zero-emission mobility service debuting in metro Atlanta next year.

"The Peachtree Road Race, with its focus on motion and mobility, affords the perfect opportunity to introduce eMotion's all-electric personal mobility service -- the first of its kind in the United States -- which will enable metro residents to declare their independence from transportation tyranny," said John Wilson, president & CEO, eMotion Mobility.

The eMotion car-sharing system will provide instant access to a network of electric cars available throughout the city, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on a per-trip basis. Users will be able to reserve cars, with a range of 70 miles per charge and a top speed of 65 mph, at anytime via the Internet or by calling the eMotion customer assistance center, and return them to any eMotion mobility station. Mobility stations will be conveniently located near universities, shopping malls, transit stations and other public places. eMotion will also offer fleet leasing options allowing corporations to potentially offer the car-sharing service as an employee benefit.

eMotion electric cars incorporate state-of-the-art "intelligent vehicle" technology that includes easy activation and entry using an electronic access key, computerized vehicle diagnostics, global positioning systems (GPS), Web access and hands-free wireless communication.

"eMotion will pick up where transit ends -- literally -- providing the missing link between transit routes and final destinations," said Saundra Nelson, Director of Mobility Planning, eMotion Mobility. "Imagine a car, when you need it, where you need it, without the costs and hassles associated with auto maintenance, insurance, parking and fuel. eMotion means less stress, more control and even cost savings for users."

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll conducted last year discovered traffic is the number one concern of area residents, ahead of education and crime. With Atlantans spending an average 70 hours a year in traffic delays* and an average of $1,350 on fuel costs, eMotion contends that an electric car- sharing service is a concept whose time has arrived.

Transportation planners hope car-sharing will translate to fewer cars on the streets, less smog in the air and more residents taking advantage of alternative transportation options. Once fully operational in Atlanta, the eMotion system will reduce daily Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by as many as 150,000 miles, eliminating more than 3.26 tons of air pollution daily.

eMotion plans to expand to markets in California, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York, eventually building as many as 5,000 cars a year, which would make it the largest electric vehicle business in the United States. Construction on a 30,000-square-foot facility in the Hinesville Industrial Park in South Georgia began in December 2001 with vehicle production scheduled to begin in early 2003.

Source: Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University