Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday unveiled the first of 20 hybrid SUVs to be used in a pilot project by the Police and Fire departments as part of a broader effort to cut gas consumption citywide.
The hybrid version of the GMC Yukon 1500 gets 20 mpg, about 25 percent better than the all-gasoline model.
Also being tested for the NYPD fleet are:
— Four all-electric Vectrix scooters capable of going up to 55 miles on a single charge.
— A three-wheeled transporter that can reach speeds up to 25 mph and run three to four hours between charges. Each can carry a single standing cop, much like a two-wheeled Segway.
“Every little bit counts,” said Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler. “These cars will be [traveling] 25,000 miles on the road each year. That will save $3,000 in gas costs when gas is $4.50.”
