Carolina Green:

Drivers wanted for fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle

The Carolina Motor Pool recently added a hybrid Toyota Prius vehicle to its fleet. This four-seater compact sedan runs on both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. A digital readout on the dash board continuously shows which power source is being tapped. Unlike strictly electric vehicles, the Prius does not need to be plugged in and recharged. Refueling consists of driving up to the closest gas pump.

Hybrid electric vehicles are more fuel efficient than traditional gasoline engines. The Prius averages 48 miles a gallon and is unusual in that it performs better in the city than on the highway. As with any car, proper maintenance, adequate tire pressure and gentle starts and stops improve performance. During coasting or braking, the electric motor functions as a generator to charge the battery. At stops, the gas engine shuts off automatically, and the electric motor stands by for gentle acceleration. This conserves fuel and eliminates exhaust emissions while idling.

The Prius has been designated a Super Low Emission Vehicle by the California Air Resources Board. With the 13th worst air quality in the country, Triangle residents would breathe more easily if more commuters switched to the Prius. Nearly 100,000 such vehicles are already on the road worldwide. Legislation has been introduced encouraging state residents to purchase alternative fuel vehicles.

Now under the management of Facilities Services, the Carolina Motor Pool rents cars and vans on a daily basis. The next time somebody in your department needs a vehicle, visit www.fac.unc.edu/MotorPool/ or call 962-6676 (2-MOPO) and ask to test drive the Prius.

Sponsored by Facilities Services
Writer: Cindy Pollock Shea, sustainability coordinator

University Gazette