EDMONDS, Wash. -- More electric cars could be hitting the streets of this Western Washington city if things turn out as one man hopes.

City Councilman Steve Bernheim, who says he won his post on a platform of energy conservation, is walking the talk by driving a mustard yellow electric car.

"It makes as much noise as a flashlight or a computer," he said.

Bernheim's car isn't the most powerful car in the city, but it could easily be the most noticeable. And that's what he wants.

"Smiles and thumbs up - that's what everybody does when they see it, " he said.

Bernheim is trying to cut back on oil consumption, and he says he can do so just by plugging in his car. In hopes that his habit will catch on, Bernheim is trying to persuade the city to spend $3,000 on a new public outlet.

"Ween ourselves from nature's black milk," he said.

Some disgruntled taxpayers didn't like the idea of footing the bill, but the mayor's office said most residents like the idea.

For now, there are many drivers in Edmonds who are plugged in to electric cars.

"Well, I know of two," Bernheim said. And he's including himself.

But the councilman hopes he won't be alone for long. County garages have installed the plugs, and the city of Seattle may modify a fleet of hybrids to go electric and save fuel.

The cost of fully charging an electric car is about 80 cents. Bernheim said he only gets about 30 miles per charge, but he says the effort goes a long way towards helping the environment.

Bernheim said the easiest way to switch to an electric car is to hire someone to convert your old car.