Today, the oil industry has become a player in the auto industry. ExxonMobil is launching the Maya 300, a lithium-ion battery powered car that can drive up to 120 miles on one charge yet has the look and feel of a gasoline-powered car.
The Maya 300 was developed in conjunction with Electrovaya, a pioneer in the development and manufacturing of Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery systems. The two companies have worked together to, "develop the innovative urban vehicle that will be a 'game changer' in advancing transportation alternatives." ExxonMobil actually developed the lithium-ion battery separator film and was the first company to introduce the lithium-ion battery in 1991.
The Maya 300 charges in 8-10 hours, plugs into a regular household 110 volt outlet and will be available to consumers for around $20-25,000 in 2011.
The car is being launched in a very cleaver way. ExxonMobil and Electrovaya have partnered with the Maryland Science Center on a program called Altcar, which will educate residents and visitors in Baltimore on the future of energy efficient transportation. But the coolest part is that people can rent the Maya 300 and take it for a spin to get the feel of driving an electric car. This is one of the first electric car share and rental programs in the country and I'm sure it is no coincidence that it is so close to Washington, D.C.
Read more from source gas2.org & greenoptions
