Test driving the Plug-in Prius and eyeing the future of alternative-fuel vehicles
April 05, 2011
With gas prices rising and ever-changing political landscapes in many oil-exporting countries, alternative fuel vehicles are of interest to everyone in the fleet business. PHH is no exception. We know the best way to understand the alternative fuel vehicle options available is to drive and experience these machines for ourselves. Recently, we were able to do just that thanks to a demo plug-in hybrid from Toyota.
For about six weeks starting in February, we had a 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) at PHH’s Sparks, MD campus. Our Strategic Alliances team was able to test drive and learn about this remarkable new concept vehicle, of which only 200 currently exist in the U.S. We learned the PHV can travel up to 15 miles on purely electric power before its gas motor kicks in, and it features a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery that’s vastly improved from the batteries of the first hybrid cars to hit the market. We plugged the Prius in at our on-site charging station in Sparks, but it can be fully recharged from a standard 110V household outlet in just a couple of hours.
Continuing in our alternative fuel pursuits, we’ve purchased a Chevrolet Volt to add to our inventory (more on that next month!) and are expecting a hybrid demo from BMW and an all-electric Nissan Leaf demo in the future. These vehicles will be used at client regional events whenever possible. In the meantime, we can assist our clients in acquiring any type of alternative-fuel vehicle – be it electric, CNG, propane, or something else. PHH knows that alternative fuel vehicles are a crucial part of the industry’s future, and we want to help our clients choose the best vehicles for their fleet needs and for the planet.
This is an exciting time for environmentalists and auto enthusiasts alike! Come see us at NAFA Booth #1115 in the NAFA Green Zone to get more information about our green initiatives and meet our industry partners.
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