This plug-in test fleet is part of a wider program in the city to reduce emissions of carbon and greenhouse gases. It is also part of Toyota's preparation for launching their plug-ins during 2012. The Japanese car maker is dishing out over 160 plug-in hybrids for similar programs across the US.
"New York City has one of the world's most aggressive and comprehensive sustainability plans - PlaNYC, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030," Mayor Bloomberg said. Developing a more efficient fleet of vehicles is a major component in reaching that goal, he said.
It takes three hours to fully charge a Prius plug-in using a standard 110-volt outlet, or half that time using a 220-volt outlet (think the type used by clothes dryers). Once charged, the car runs about 13 miles at speeds up to 62 mph. After that, Prius Plug-in switches to hybrid mode, running on combinations of gasoline and battery power, much like a standard hybrid. Over the past five years, New York has bought more than 2500 Toyota hybrid vehicles for official use, mostly as taxi cabs.
During this new test program, Department of Transportation officials will collect data on car usage and performances. Early next year, data from the program will be posted online, allowing people to follow the cars and get an idea of how the plug-in systems are working in everyday real-world driving.
You can check out the current run of Toyota's Prius today at Capitol Toyota - 2575 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302.
SOURCE: http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/12/02/toyota-delivers-prius-plug-in-hybrids-to-new-york-city-officials/
