Good news out of the City of Urbana, today. They’re introducing the City’s first fully electric car, replacing an old pickup truck to reduce emissions and fuel costs.
A phenomenal example of commitment to combat climate change on a civic level right here in our own back yard. That’s pretty neat.
For more information, check out the press release below:
It’s just been one month since the City of Urbana purchased its first electric vehicle (EV); a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, for use in the City’s environmental sustainability division. The EV replaces a 2001 GMC pick-up truck, saving the City more than $800 on fuel costs annually, based on driving 5,000 miles per year, and eliminating approximately 5,250 lbs. of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year.¹ The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has a 62-mile range and zero tailpipe emissions.
Urbana’s recycling coordinator, Courtney Kwong, says the car is not only an environmentally friendly form of transportation, but also cost-effective in the long term. “The EV provides a sustainable, eco-friendly, alternative form of transportation; and acts as an educational tool in the community,” Kwong said. “It reduces our carbon footprint, making it a smart choice for a greener fleet.”
National Drive Electric Week is taking place this week (September 10 – 18), making this the perfect opportunity to promote the newest addition to the City of Urbana’s fleet. City officials are excited to introduce the EV as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. Officials say the EV is the first step in greening the City’s fleet by replacing old vehicles with newer, cleaner alternatives.
¹Source: http://www.climatecentral.org/blogs/how-much-are-you-spending-on-gas-an-interactive-tool