The Southern Business Improvement District (BID) in Los Angeles can be counted among the growing number of communities using electric vehicles. This tax-funded district owns three utility vehicles from HiLine Cars and Carts that run completely on electricity. The district’s use of these vehicles for daily patrols as well as community cleanliness helps volunteers and city workers get their work done faster.
The Southern BID came across the XG series of electric cars from HiLine while attending the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in fall 2007. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles City Council have created various initiatives to add elements of green transportation to the sprawling city. The small fleet of HiLine cars will not leave its 22-block territory due to a 60-mile limit per charge though surrounding communities will look to the district as an example.
There are a number of benefits cited by Southern BID leaders found when using electric cars. The cost of each vehicle is $8,900 that is a fraction of the cost of a full-sized pickup truck. The projected savings on fuel for the tax-funded district is $3,200. These two financial figures are a breath of fresh air for Los Angeles residents who are experiencing gas prices approaching $4 per gallon as well as higher housing costs.
The intangible benefits of the XG electric car have not been lost on the district’s volunteers. These utility cars have an unusual bubble top and open sides that stand out from other cars in the area. This increased visibility helps deter crime, draw attention to electric vehicles and encourage community members to volunteer for eco-friendly programs. The lack of noise and exhaust emissions in the new fleet of electric vehicles contribute to a better environment in an area of Los Angeles assailed by smog.
The continued support of Mayor Villaraigosa and Councilwoman Jan Perry (a representative from the District) is needed to expand the city’s fleet of electric cars. Villaraigosa just announced the possibility of city layoffs that portends a downward shift for the city budget. The district’s funding is drawn from property tax assessments and additional withdrawals from hard-working families may cause BID residents to balk at expanding the pilot program.
