Hybrid vehicle joins council fleet

As part of its focus on improving the sustainability of its operations, Hastings District Council has replaced a conventional petrol powered vehicle with a Toyota Prius C.

The Prius C is powered by a hybrid drive system which combines a 1500cc petrol engine with an electric motor and battery system. The drive system activates either the electric or petrol engine or both dependent on power demand and battery charge. The vehicle uses energy from the petrol engine, braking and the drive train to recharge the battery system.

Planning and Regulatory Committee chairman Rod Heaps is very pleased with the acquisition. He says "Council has made a commitment to investigate practical opportunities to incorporate sustainability initiatives into its operations. This vehicle purchase is such an initiative and one that we will monitor to see what savings can be made."

The vehicle will be used principally in urban areas by Council regulatory staff. Cr Heaps says " This will particularly suit the Prius which tends to save fuel during round town driving, as its petrol engine cuts out rather than idling when the vehicle is stopped or slowing down at intersections."

The Prius was purchased under the Council's membership of the All of Government procurement contract which resulted in a significant saving on the normal retail price.