November 19, 2004

Report says gas-electric hybrid cars shine in city driving

Vancouver, British Columbia - A new report on the performance of 100 hybrid gas-electric vehicles has documented substantially lower fuel costs and reductions in air pollution, with some owners reporting up to 60 percent savings when using hybrids compared to the vehicles they replaced.

The report released on Thursday by Fleet Challenge B.C., concluded hybrids appear to be well suited to stop and go applications like urban commuting, taxis, and couriers. The report's researchers says its findings will be of particular interest to consumers and vehicle fleet managers looking to save on fuel costs while reducing greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions.

North America's two highest mileage hybrid taxis logged 675,000 kilometres during the past three years without problems, the report said.

The British Columbia government, which operates a fleet of 61 2001 Toyota Prius vehicles, the largest hybrid fleet in Canada, reported an average fuel efficiency of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres during 2.5 million kilometres of driving throughout the province.

"Transportation accounts for about 25 percent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, the main contributor to climate change," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Initiatives like Fleet Challenge BC and this report are important in two ways. First, they educate Canadian fleet managers about hybrid vehicles. Second, they show that hybrid technology can have both environmental and economic benefits, and help Canada effectively respond to climate change."

The Report provides information on hybrid vehicles currently in production by major manufacturers, including the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, Ford Escape, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Chevrolet Silverado truck, plus commercial vehicles such as delivery trucks and transit buses. The Report noted that an additional 15 hybrid vehicle models will be introduced by manufacturers between 2005 and 2007.

The Report is available on the website www.hybridexperience.ca.

The preparation of the report was supported by VanCity Credit Union, Greater Vancouver Regional District, Natural Resources Canada, City of Vancouver, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Alberta's Climate Change Central, BC Hydro, and the Fraser Basin Council's Fleet Challenge BC and BC Climate Exchange programs.

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