Vote to Mandate More Electric Cars

* Re “Firms Told to Resume Making Electric Cars,” Sept. 9:

While I am in favor of the development of electric cars, I do not believe it should be forced on the manufacturers. General Motors is to be commended for bringing to production the EV1. It is a good vehicle, but the public has not responded even though the cost is obviously subsidized by GM.

The California Air Resources Board’s unanimous vote to mandate production is very interesting. But are the board members “walking the talk”? Are any of them using an electric car on a daily basis? I ask you to investigate and publish the name of each board member and the type of car he or she usually drives. I am going to ask Gov. Gray Davis to appoint me to the ARB. I’ve been a “car guy” all my life, and I will gladly drive an EV1 on a daily basis.

JERRE REIMERS

Chatsworth

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Congratulations to the ARB for upholding the mandate for 22,000 electric cars in California for 2003. As the happy lessee of the General Motors EV1, I am sure that other California drivers will appreciate the opportunity to have this or a similar vehicle.

The car is fun to drive. It is economical, requires practically no maintenance, and the electricity is very inexpensive. There are many great parking spots where you can charge for free. I figure it costs me about 20 cents a day to drive. No gas stations to visit; no exhaust; I just plug it in at night and it’s ready to go the next morning. It does go--from zero to 80, fast, smooth and quiet, without any hesitation. All maintenance is included in the low lease cost. Now we can even drive in the carpool lanes with one person in the car. OK, GM, start making more cars. We love them!

JOHN STOLLER

Encino

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The members of the ARB certainly have short memories. They mandate a resumption of electric cars but do not seem to remember the electric power shortage that occurred about three weeks ago. Their mandate comes at a time when electricity prices have risen to astronomic levels due to deregulation. Who but a handful of people supports these decisions? The last taxpayer leaving California, please pull the plug on your battery charger.

JOHN JULIS

Bellflower