For over a hundred years, drivers have largely relied on gasoline-powered vehicles for both local and long distance travel.

According to Doug Carter of Carter’s Auto Service, “car manufacturers are beginning to convert to all electric drivetrains. Motors and batteries on their own do not emit any pollutants. There are over 2000 moving parts on the average gasoline-powered vehicle drivetrain, and there are fewer than 20 moving parts in an electric motor power train. The simplicity of an electric car will change the auto industry in unprecedented ways. The general public needs to understand the fact that gasoline-powered vehicles will not be around forever.”

The Town of Gorham has acquired eight Chevy Bolts and Hyundai Konas. Funds for these vehicles came from a combination of municipal funding, Efficiency Maine grants and free leases. The electric cars have a 250-300 mile range and take about eight hours to fully charge. “Most trips taken by municipal employees are for short distances, so it is not uncommon for cars to only need charging every week or two,” said Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak.