EIU phases out gas-powered vehicles

CHARLESTON -- Eastern Illinois University is going green one vehicle at a time.

Officials at the school in Charleston say they're going to replace several gas-powered minivans -- used by maintenance staff and for tours -- with electric-powered vehicles.

The director of facilities planning and management says the new vehicles will also reduce costs.

Officials say the vehicles also fit into the 325-acre university's master plan for becoming more pedestrian friendly because they're smaller.

The six-seat vehicles look like large golf carts, but are equipped with seat belts, turn signals and adjustable mirrors. They will be phased in over the next few years.

The vehicles travel up to 25 miles per hour.