OCEAN CITY, Md. --- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has accepted his state's first solar-charged, all-terrain vehicle on behalf of the state of Maryland. The Solar Utility Vehicle (SUV) was donated by BP America, and will become part of the Department of General Services vehicle fleet. During his remarks, O'Malley renewed his commitment to increasing the number of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles in the state's fleet. "I am proud to accept Maryland's first 100-percent solar-charged vehicle in our state's fleet," O'Malley said. "We are committed to making our state's vehicle fleet as environmentally friendly as possible to reduce auto emissions and costs for the people of Maryland." The BP SUV has 31 horsepower and boasts over 170 pounds of torque. The photovoltaic cells on the vehicle were manufactured at BP Solar's facility in Frederick, Md. The cells charge the vehicle's batteries, which offer a quiet, clean and non-polluting means of transportation for parks and wildlife areas. "BP is pleased to be able to donate this Solar Utility Vehicle to the state of Maryland, where we operate the largest fully integrated solar facility in North America," said Bruce Johnson, BP government affairs director. Under Gov. O'Malley, the Maryland Department of Budget and Management has conducted an audit of all state vehicles and has developed a plan to expand the use of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. The plan will be presented during the Board of Public Works meeting Wednesday, Aug. 22.