Electric Gators Published Feb. 26, 2009 By Capt Anthony L. Bucci 174FW, Public Affairs Officer Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY -- Electric cars have arrived and are being used to support operations at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base as the base continues its efforts in going green. The Civil Engineering Squadron purchased two electric Gators TE Utility Vehicles; the utility vehicles made by John Deere, in October 2008 and have been using them daily to get around. "These are the perfect vehicles to use on base. Their top speed is 15 M.P.H., which happens to be the base speed limit, and they are doing very well through the winter", said Senior Master Sgt. James Delprato, 174FW/CES, Base Facility Manager. Ms. Danita Kinner, 174FW/CES Resource Advisor said, "As the Energy Monitor for the base I went to a conference to observe different available green products and this one of the items that I thought we could really benefit from". Del Prato when on to say that the vehicles use eight batteries that are rechargeable with the appropriate adaptor and that they are stored inside overnight to protect them from the harsh elements. The vehicles move very quickly and are extremely quiet; in fact they look and sound very much like a golf cart. "Even though they are not heated they are still very warm, because of the plastic glass encasement. Once you get the vehicles outside and the sun hits them they warm up very quickly", said Staff Sgt. Anthony Scuderi, a Logistics Support Specialist with CES. It is powered by a standard 48 volt system with 8 Trojan T-105 batteries; Gator TE Utility Vehicle accelerates faster, climbs hills better, and performs evenly until recharged. These vehicles are just the latest example of Hancock Field's desire to go green and to being better stewards of the environment.