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City of Urbana buys first electric car

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

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