Green Driving Tips

News 4 Tucson Az
 
Jeff Beamish reports Full Article
 
Rene has been working at Discount Cab for four months. While each mile costs $1.95 in Rene’s cab, it’s a different rate for the environment, thanks to three new hybrid taxis: a Ford Escape and two Toyota Prius’.

Says Rene, “The more I drive this car, the more I like it.”

How does the Prius work? Discount Cab’s GM Mark Marjancik says, “There’s a motor in there that charges the battery which runs off gasoline, but that motor charges the battery and the battery is what turns the wheels.”

A difference under the hood and in the tires, as they’re filled with nitrogen. This keeps the tires properly inflated. While customers might notice how quiet the Prius’ are, the biggest difference: gas mileage. The old Crown Victoria’s get 16 mpg, while the Prius gets 50 mpg.

It’s possible they could get more gas mileage as an onboard screen tells drivers like Rene how many miles per gallon he’s getting and how much power the battery has.

One of these Prius’ can save Discount Cab 4,000 gallons of fuel per year. Plans are to put 10 Prius’ in Discount Cab’s fleet by January 2009, meaning the company will save over $100,000 a year in fuel costs.

These hybrid cabs are so popular that customers are asking Full Article