City Adds Hybrid Vehicles to Fleet
March 31, 2003

The City of Greensboro Support Services Department has purchased two Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles for use by city employees. These new cars combine a gas engine with an electric motor to create an environmentally advanced, fuel-efficient hybrid that gets up to 52 miles per gallon.

The new hybrids are part of a new and comprehensive program the city is unveiling to encourage a more environmentally friendly organization. The vehicles will allow city employees to perform official city business while saving fuel and money as well as reducing air pollution.

Eric Combs, Support Services Director, notes that the hybrid vehicles are an exciting addition to the city's motorpool fleet. "These new hybrids take the city into the twenty-first century. With their combined technology and dependability, we anticipate substantial cost savings. After a brief trial period, we look forward to increasing the number of hybrids in our fleet."

The vehicles automatically shift between the gas engine and electric motor depending on driving conditions, allowing the Prius to get 566 miles per tank. Due to an on-board generator and regenerative braking system, the vehicles never need to be plugged in for recharging. They also feature a Super Ultra Low Emission rating that's up to 90% cleaner for smog-forming emissions than an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

The cars were purchased at a cost of $20,133 each. Both hybrids have been picked up and should be in use by April 10. For more information, contact Eric Combs at 373-2526.