USU introduces more hybrids to fleet of cars

Published: Friday, October 24, 2008

As part of USU’s sustainability efforts, eight new hybrid sedans have been added to the university fleet, bringing the number of university-owned hybrids to 10.

Kevin Phillips, manager of USU’s fleet and resource recovery, said the first university hybrid car was purchased in 2006, the second in 2007, eight more in 2008 and anticipates adding a few more in 2009.

“We should be getting 15 new vehicles next year and we hope that a few of them are hybrids. It’s an incremental process each year as we continue to transition in hybrid cars,” Phillips said.

Three of the new hybrid cars have been added to the central fleet, which is composed of 70 cars, and can be rented by any university department, Phillips said, and the other five new cars are owned by individual departments including the natural resources department.

“We applaud the departments who have taken this innovative step, and hope other departments will take their lead,” Phillips said.

The eight new cars cost $22,000 each, which is $4,000 to $5,000 more than comparable vehicles, Phillips said.

“The hybrids are more expensive, but with the price of gas I feel it is a good investment,” he said.

The new cars are warranted for up to 100,000 miles, which Phillips said lasts about five years, at which point the university will sell the cars and purchase new ones.

Phillips said renting a hybrid car from the central fleet is “slightly more expensive, 35 cents per mile versus 32 cents for the standard because of the $4,000 to $5,000 cost difference, but you also have to pay for your own gas, so it pays off in the long run.”

Phillips said the hybrid cars average 40 to 50 miles per gallon, while comparable cars average 23 to 24.

Phillips said there is also new plug-in technology for hybrids that has been researched in California for the last year, which will increase the current range of 40-50 miles per gallon to 80 to 100, and speculates this plug-in feature could come out as soon as 2010.

“We are constantly looking to upgrade to the most efficient and sustainable technology available,” Phillips said. “Departments looking into buying hybrid cars for next year must place their orders now.”

Phillips said with the new budget cuts placed on higher education he does not anticipate departments will make big sustainability efforts.

“If it comes between losing a faculty member or keeping the old car around for a few more years, they will always keep their staff,” Phillips said. “I hope every organization will make the outlay to buy hybrids if they get the chance.”

Photo by Cameron Peterson