NYC hails hybrid taxis
Yesterday morning, six Ford Escape Hybrids went to work as taxicabs in New York City, according to a joint press release issued by Ford Motor Co. and the Coalition Advocating for Smart Transportation (CAST).
The two-wheel-drive versions of the Escape will produce an estimated 36 miles per gallon in the city (twice the gas mileage of the current fleet) and have an effective cruising range of about 500 miles per tank of gas, enough to run an entire shift without filling up, according to CAST. Although there are just six hybrids so far, they are also expected to do their part to reduce air pollution, in part by showing what can be achieved.
“We are excited about the progress these vehicles represent,” said New York City taxi commissioner Matthew W. Daus. “New York has always been a pioneer when it comes to taxicabs and innovation, and today it has been proven once again.”
“I want to congratulate everyone for putting this innovative hybrid technology on the streets of New York City,” said Ford chairman & CEO Bill Ford.
Ford recently announced plans to build up to 250,000 hybrids by 2010. CAST is an alliance of health, civic and environmental organizations that led the effort to bring hybrids to the NYC taxi fleet.
For more information go to www.smarttransportation.org or to www.ford.com.