Commander gives electric wheels a spin Published Nov. 6, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker got a glimpse of the future. It was small, blue and driven by Col. Allen Jamerson, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander. In conjunction with October's Energy Awareness month, the 72nd Civil Engineering Directorate had Oct. 26 through 30, a 2010 Wheego Whip electric car. "It had all the conveniences of a car in a golf cart," Colonel Jamerson said. "I really think this is going to be the wave of the future." At 118.5 inches long, 63 inches tall and 63 inches wide, the Wheego runs entirely on electricity generated by a 96-volt battery. Noiseless, the two-passenger vehicle is equipped with a heater and air conditioner, radio and can reach speeds of 40 mph. It is also more maneuverable than a traditional full-size car and has no problem fitting into parking spots. "It's turning radius is insane," said John Hurd, Tinker's energy manager. But, its best attribute may be its benefit to the environment. "This is just something to consider as we look at ways to become more energy-efficient on Tinker," Colonel Jamerson said. "It'll drive down cost; will make us more efficient and more productive. We have to get there for environmental reasons." Because electric cars are solely dependent on electricity, a Wheego charge cord can be plugged into a standard outlet; unlike Colonel Jamerson's staff car, a Dodge Avenger that runs on flexible fuel. Though considered an "alternative" fuel vehicle, the car runs best with an 85 percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline mixture. "I don't put that many miles on my staff car in the course of a year -- maybe 1,000 to 2,000 miles," Colonel Jamerson said. "So, this would be a much more efficient way to get around and it's good for the environment." The Wheego Colonel Jamerson drove gets approximately 60 miles to a charge or can run for six operational hours. It needs four charging hours to be fully functional. But, the Wheego does have its drawbacks and, if considered for a future fleet, wouldn't meet every vehicle requirement, officials said. The Wheego has a light suspension system. Additionally, the model Colonel Jamerson drove was not street legal for roads where the speed limit is above 35 mph. Considered a "low-speed vehicle," the car was not designed for long trips, such as a drive to Dallas. From Oklahoma City, Dallas is approximately 205 miles and takes the average driver roughly three-and-a-half hours when cruising at 65 miles per hour. "This is really the future. It may be in five years, 10 years or 20 years, but vehicles like that will be our future," Mr. Hurd said. "It may be half of the vehicles in the world, or three-fourths of them or all of them, but there has to be a starting point for it and this it."