This electric vehicle runs on a system of rechargeable batteries. In an effort to reduce costs and conserve natural resources, USC will begin using such alternative fuel vehicles very soon. The Housing Office will be the first area to add a GEM to its fleet.

"We hope to have a GEM and an electric Ford Ranger in use on campus by the start of the new academic year," said Michael Koman, environmental protection manager.

Two GEMs were on campus June 14 to be examined and test-driven. "These vehicles don't require the fluids that regular cars do, which means they aren't using natural resources such as petroleum," he said. "And they are zero-emission cars, so they aren't affecting air quality."

Equipped with a 72-volt electric engine that runs off a battery system, the vehicle can be charged in any standard electrical outlet and runs about 80 miles on a single charge. It's emission-free and costs as little as one cent per mile to operate, compared to10 cents per mile for a traditional gas vehicle.

"With a top speed of 25 miles per hour, these are street-legalÑas compared to a golf cart, which isn't. That means these vehicles can have license plates and be used on the street or on turf," Koman continued.

"These vehicles will be great for our grounds and maintenance crews. They're also a great billboard for environmental sustainability, and other environmental issues, and how the University is working to achieve that," he said.

The cost for a GEM ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 per vehicle. The models USC will purchase will cost under $10,000 each, Koman said.