Opposition Concerned Over Political Leader's Qualifications to Critique Prius
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| Mayor Larry Campbell feels he's as qualified as anyone to test a car. "I'm sure most vehicles in fleets aren't evaluated by experts," he stated. (Photo: City of Vancouver) |
Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell took a spin in one of the two new Toyota Prius' that were purchased by the city. His goal in driving the gas-electric hybrid is to evaluate its greener and cleaner technology. Right now, both vehicles purchased by the city are on trial. Campbell has one Prius, and the city's engineering department has another. The purpose of testing out the ultra low-emissions hybrid vehicles is to derive whether a potential investment for the city's fleet would be worthwhile.
At the end of the day, Campbell found himself attached to the forest green car. The attraction lay in the Prius' powertrain, which is 90% cleaner than regular low-emissions vehicles (LEV). Since both electricity and gas power the Toyota hybrid, it consumes less polluting petroleum. When stopping or breaking, the generator transfers the energy back to the battery. Thus, less greenhouse gasses and smog are emitted. While wallet friendly on gas it also doesn't need to be charged up, like 100% electric vehicles.
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| The City of Vancouver hopes to pass many a gas pump in its new set of Prius hybrid gas/electric vehicles. Its evaluation of the vehicle's cost effectiveness will weigh pros and cons. (Photo: Toyota) |
Campbell commented that, "from the point of view of emissions, it's hands down over everything else. But they're fairly expensive and it's a matter of finding out whether the cost for maintenance and gas would justify that."
Testing out the Prius will not be a free ride for Campbell's government. Most operating costs for the two hybrid gas/electrics will be paid for by the city, but Vancouver's mayor will have to pay an undetermined operating cost, reported Nancy Eng, a communications official at city hall.