When it comes to stop-and-go traffic, hybrid vehicles are at
their best in fuel efficiency. Traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) run
constantly in traffic and as a result consume fuel and emit pollutants into the
atmosphere.
Hybrids, on the other hand, operate on battery power when at a
standstill. True hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid can
travel at moderate speeds around town under full electric power -- as long as
the battery is charged.
The reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions were enough for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to declare that all
yellow cabs would be hybrids by 2012.
"There's an awful lot of taxicabs on the streets of New
York City obviously, so it makes a real big difference," said Bloomberg in
late May. "These cars just sit there in traffic sometimes, belching fumes;
this does a lot less. It's a lot better for all of us."
When it comes to the Toyota Prius, a Vancouver cab driver has
shown that the mid-sized
hybrid is up to the task of taxi duty. Andrew Grant and his partner operate
a 2004 Prius that roams the streets 22 to 24 hours a day.
According to Grant, the Prius just surpassed the 400,000
kilometer (248,548 mile) mark. The Prius accomplished this feat by consuming
just 10 to 15 liters of gasoline per 12-hour shift as opposed to 35 to 55 liters
for traditional ICE taxis.
Over a 24-month period, the Prius had one-third less
maintenance costs and there were no failures of the hybrid powertrain during
400,000 kilometers of driving. The lower maintenance costs coupled with a fuel
savings of roughly 1,500 liters per month means that the Prius paid for itself
in less than 24 months.
Grant's 2004 Prius is now the highest-mileage second
generation Prius on the road. Not surprisingly, Toyota is interested in
checking out the vehicle so it will soon be shipped to Toyota's Japanese
headquarters for research.