EV Rental: Environmental Vehicle Rental Cars 2001

March 22, 2002

Excerpt from the Winter 2001, Vol. 6, No. 2 issue of Current, Southern California Edison's quarterly electro-drive technology newsletter

Program Lowers Cost of Clean-Fuel Rental Cars

In a first-of-its-kind, exclusive agreement, Environmental Vehicle (EV) Rental Cars and the American Lung Association of California have partnered to fight air pollution in California, by offering current and future American Lung Association volunteers, donors and staff discounts on purchases of previously owned vehicles in the rental fleet, as well as special reduced rental rates when traveling at any of EV Rental Cars' locations nationwide.

EV Rental Cars is the only environmental vehicle rental company in the nation. The company offers electric, natural gas, hybrid-electric and super ultra-low emission gasoline-powered vehicles for rent through its association with Budget Rent a Car. Since its launch in December 1998 at Los Angeles International Airport, it has grown to more than 330 cars at 12 locations.

"Air pollution continues to create health problems for Californians, so driving vehicles that are fueled by cleaner options, like electricity and natural gas, is crucial," said Bruce Herold, board chair for the American Lung Association of California. "Renting or purchasing cleaner-fueled vehicles will help all of us breathe easier."

The exclusive promotion between the American Lung Association of California and EV Rental Cars provides current and future American Lung Association volunteers, donors and staff discounts of $300 per vehicle for selected previously owned vehicles, with preferred rental rates also available to American Lung Association supporters. For every rental of a cleaner-fueled vehicle, EV Rental Cars will make a $2 contri-bution to the American Lung Association of California.

EV Rental Cars and the Ameri can Lung Association of California expect as many as 200 individuals to take advantage of the special offer to buy the vehicles, and more than 2,000 to utilize the special rental rates. This type of success would be directly responsible for preventing 20 tons of air pollution from ever entering California's skies. According to the project partners, more than 90 percent of Californians now breathe air that is unhealthy, with 60 percent of smog-forming emissions in California created by gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles. Those interested in more information should log onto: