xcel
05-07-2007, 09:16 PM
Saving money is always important, considering the fact that fuel costs have steadily increased at the county level from $375,000 in 2005 to setting aside $500,000 for fuel in the 2007 budget. (http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1178512003131480.xml&coll=8)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_FEH1.jpgPete McCarthy - NJ.com - May 7, 2007
The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is 08 EPA labeled at 34/30 city highway. Very few automobiles can match its FE under the new EPA testing regiment let alone perform the tough duties it is capable of.
Looking to be more energy efficient, Gloucester County will do something it has never done before purchase a hybrid car.
Grant funds will be used to buy the 2008 Ford Escape, which will be utilized by the county Health Department.
There's no rush to get more hybrids, cars that use both gasoline and electricity for energy.
At least not yet.
"I think we're going to try it out, see how we make out," said Deputy Freeholder Director Robert Damminger, director of the county's Department of Public Works. "I think in the long run, we are going to look more in that direction."
By no means will the county replace its entire fleet with hybrid cars at once, Damminger said, but don't be surprised if new purchases are "green."
Damminger predicted the county will start making the switch by 2008.
"That would be a goal," Damminger said. "Ultimately, we are looking to reduce pollution as much as we can."
The county has 247 vehicles; 99 are vans or SUVs, 87 are sedans and 61 use diesel fuel. The number has slowly declined as the county realized the need wasn't there to buy another car. The fleet has been reduced by five vehicles since 2005.
Of the 186 cars currently using unleaded gasoline, 43 get more than 24 miles per gallon … http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1178512003131480.xml&coll=8
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_FEH1.jpgPete McCarthy - NJ.com - May 7, 2007
The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is 08 EPA labeled at 34/30 city highway. Very few automobiles can match its FE under the new EPA testing regiment let alone perform the tough duties it is capable of.
Looking to be more energy efficient, Gloucester County will do something it has never done before purchase a hybrid car.
Grant funds will be used to buy the 2008 Ford Escape, which will be utilized by the county Health Department.
There's no rush to get more hybrids, cars that use both gasoline and electricity for energy.
At least not yet.
"I think we're going to try it out, see how we make out," said Deputy Freeholder Director Robert Damminger, director of the county's Department of Public Works. "I think in the long run, we are going to look more in that direction."
By no means will the county replace its entire fleet with hybrid cars at once, Damminger said, but don't be surprised if new purchases are "green."
Damminger predicted the county will start making the switch by 2008.
"That would be a goal," Damminger said. "Ultimately, we are looking to reduce pollution as much as we can."
The county has 247 vehicles; 99 are vans or SUVs, 87 are sedans and 61 use diesel fuel. The number has slowly declined as the county realized the need wasn't there to buy another car. The fleet has been reduced by five vehicles since 2005.
Of the 186 cars currently using unleaded gasoline, 43 get more than 24 miles per gallon … http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1178512003131480.xml&coll=8