Enova Systems, the state of Hawaii, and Hyundai Motor Co. have agreed to introduce OEM electric vehicles for fleet use in Hawaii. Hawaii becomes the introductory site in the United States for Hyundai’s newly developed zero-emission Santa Fe Electric SUV. These vehicles will use electric propulsion, charge management, and battery thermal management systems developed by Enova, which has operated an electric-vehicle maintenance and service facility in Hawaii since 1994. Two years ago, the High Technology Development Corp. (HTDC), through its Hawaii Electric Vehicle Demonstration Project, initiated a program to make Hawaii the first EV-ready state in the country through the installation of rapid-charging stations. The goal of this initiative was to show Hawaii’s commitment to clean air by providing the needed infrastructure for consumer acceptance of battery-powered vehicles. Hawaii’s controlled environment and temperate climate make the state an ideal test site. The test period will run for two years, starting in June 2001, and use a fleet of 15 Hyundai Sante Fe SUVs to be used by four participating sectors on Oahu-Hickam AFB, Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO), the city and county of Honolulu, and the state of Hawaii. HTDC is the overseer of the entire project. Hyundai is providing the vehicles, and HECO is providing the charger installations and electricity. Enova Systems will handle all of the maintenance and operations of the test fleet.