Why a Maya?

On June 24, 2009 Electrovaya launched the Maya 300, a small vehicle that claims to run 120 miles on one charge, takes 8-10 hours to charge and plugs into 110 volt outlet. Electrovaya, a pioneer in the development and manufacturing of Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery systems, partnered with Exxon Mobil to develop the vehicle. Exxon developed the lithium ion battery separator film and was the first company to introduce the lithium-ion battery in 1991.

The Maya 300, positioned as an urban vehicle, is slated to be available to consumers for around $20-25,000 in 2011. $25,000? And all these claims about electric vehicles and plug-ins have to be tested in the real world where we have snow and ice and altitude and no public infrastructure. But, if you happen to be in Baltimore, you can rent the Maya under a program called Altcar for $29 for two hours at the Maryland Science Center.

–Kate McLeod