ACCPD Continues Emphasis on Saving Fuel
with Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
(Pictured from L to R: Chris Stratton, Planner/Researcher,
Lt. Gary Epps,
Mayor Heidi Davison, and Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin, Sr.)
Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin, Sr., announces that the department is placing
in service four Toyota Prius Hybrid vehicles and one T3 electric vehicle.
In a bit of forward thinking, Athens-Clarke County ordered the four
hybrids in 2007. Estimates show that by phasing in the hybrids as replacement
and additions to the fleet, a substantial savings will be made on the
amount of gasoline used. Larger, older vehicles currently in use only
get 15 to 16 mpg in the city; the hybrid is estimated at 48 mpg. On
the road, the older vehicles (depending on the model) get 15 to 23 mpg;
the hybrid is estimated at 45 mpg.
The ACCPD, which has used a substantial number of bicycles downtown
for nearly two decades, began its fleet fuel reduction efforts in 1999
when it re-introduced police motorcycles and started transitioning the
majority of the ACCPD Traffic Unit from sedan patrol to motorcycle patrol.
That effort continued in the year as the ACCPD began factoring into
its decision making matrix for patrol and staff vehicles the estimated
miles per gallon, the type of fuel required, the cost of the specific
vehicle, comfort factors, etc. as well as traditional criteria. During
that period, the ACCPD also assigned a number of bicycles onto sedans
patrolling the urban service areas of the county. Those processes have
allowed the ACCPD to significantly reduce overall fuel usage (e.g.,
a 15% reduction in one fiscal year), while continuing to prevent crime
and the fear of crime and disorder. Presently, the hybrids will be assigned
as staff vehicles (administrative and criminal investigation), which
complements the ACCPD’s efforts in constructing and opening in
October 2005 two LEEDS Certified police substation buildings.
The T3 all-electric Vertrix scooter is a three-wheeled, battery powered
electric transporter that a single standing officer will ride. It is
capable of going up to 55 miles on a single charge and reaching speeds
up to 25 mph. The T3 will be used primarily in downtown, other pedestrian
dense areas, as well as special events and on the Greenway. This electric
transporter will provide officers with another tool for hilly terrain
and the ability to patrol the outer portions of the central business
district more effectively and efficiently.
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