See how electric cars are paving the way for an environmentally friendly commute, Monday 3/11 at 9 p.m. Eastern on 'Tech Live.'

Toni Lubetsky is one of the first New Yorkers to try out a new way to get to work. Each day, she looks forward to her morning commute from Westchester County to midtown Manhattan.

"I love it. I'm so happy," Lubetsky said.

Just two weeks ago, she received her own Th!nk electric car. Lubetsky is one of 200 people who are taking part in the state-sponsored Clean Commute Program led by the New York Power Authority and Ford Motor Company.

"I drive the electric car to the train. The train is electric. And then I walk to the office. So I am 100 percent absolutely nonpolluting," Lubetsky said.

The two-seater car runs using an electric motor and batteries. Designed for short trips, the car tops out at 56 mph and can go a distance of 50 miles when fully charged. Users can either replenish the car's power with a home hookup or with free supplies available at designated metropolitan area train stations. The cars lease for $199 over 33 months.

Despite the fact that she and her husband already have two cars, Lubetsky says an electric car is an important first step in raising public awareness.

"It's always seemed ridiculous to me to take such a nice big fancy car to the grocery store to pick up some milk," she said. "So this car is perfect to do all the errands we have to do."

According to Ford, 33 percent of all oil used domestically goes toward transportation. And electric cars, where applicable, can reduce personal transportation dependence by 85 to 90 percent.

Electric car proponents hope the pilot program will grow into something much larger. Vincent Vesce, executive vice president of the New York Power Authority, says both the positive impact on the environment and the lessened dependence on foreign oil should motivate the public to participate.

"I think that there is going to be a widespread desire on the part of consumers in general to be a part of this," Vesce said.

Being first is not always easy. Lubetsky had to take her Th!nk car back to the dealership in the first week. But after a quick fix to the battery, it was back on the road.

Also, she says the car does not have a lot of zip.

"It doesn't have a lot of oomph going uphill. But the only other drawback... is that it doesn't seem to go as far as they say it goes," Lubetsky said.

Still, she said she remains optimistic and hopes other commuters will share her enthusiasm.

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