Electric Vehicle Association on NY State Repeal of ZEV Mandate

12 August 1998

  Note: The U.S. Court of Appeals Today Overturned the New York Ruling That
 2 Percent of 1998-Model Vehicles Sold in New York Be Zero Emission Vehicles
                                    (ZEVs)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 11 -- Robert T.Hayden, executive director
of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Americas, issued the following
statement:

    "While the Court of Appeals decision eliminates the New York State mandate
requiring sales of zero emission vehicles, one thing is certain:  even without
the mandate, electric vehicles are making their way to market.
    "As media coverage of electric vehicles increases and consumer awareness
of the technology grows, a market for electric vehicles is developing.  More
and more consumers are becoming interested in electric vehicles.  Right now,
six major car companies offer EVs commercially to fleets or retail customers
in select markets.
    "While EV marketing is in its earliest stages, the move toward electric
transportation has started and there is no turning back.  The ultimate success
of electric vehicles will be attributable not only to technology advancements
and public policy, but to consumer demand for a cleaner, quieter and more
convenient method of transportation."

    Located in San Francisco, EVAA is the industry association working to
advance the commercialization of electric vehicles powered by batteries,
hybrid power systems and fuel cells in the United States, Canada and Latin
America.  EVAA members are major industry stakeholders, including auto
companies and other vehicle manufacturers, electric utilities, EV components
suppliers, research institutions and government agencies.  EVAA serves as the
industry's central information source on electric vehicles.