Purple goes green

Hybrid car available from K-State motor pool

 

It seems everyone is doing their part to take better care of the environment. The K-State motor pool is no exception.

In November 2006, the department bought its first hybrid car for the university's motor pool, and another hybrid car is on its way. The new Toyota Camry Hybrid mid-size sedan is the first hybrid in the pool's fleet of more than 80 vehicles.

"We got it just to try it," said Dave Gronquist, director of facilities support services. "We wanted to see the response from the university about it with the mileage and things like that. "

The Camry Hybrid runs on a four-cylinder gasoline engine and also utilizes electric motors and a battery to produce 187 horsepower. Its power steering, brakes and heating/air conditioning units are all electric. The heating and air conditioning are able to work even while the engine is off. It can run on just electric power at slow speeds or downgrades; the engine runs only when the computer tells it that acceleration is needed.

Gronquist said last year was the first time a hybrid car was offered on a state contract. According to Peggy Grater, administrative officer, so far the car has worked out well and received a good response.

"For the most part, most people have really seemed to enjoyed it," Grater said.

However, that enjoyment didn't come without spending a little more than for other motor pool vehicles.

"One disadvantage to the car is that is it several thousand dollars more pricey," Gronquist said. "We couldn't justify a whole fleet of hybrid vehicles."

While it initially costs more, the car's gas mileage could make the more expensive price tag worth it. Grater said since they've had the Camry, it's averaged around 34 miles per gallon. That is expected to help pay off the bill over time.

"In the short term, you have to ask yourself if you can make it work and pay for it," Gronquist said. "But I think it pays us back in the long run."

This isn't the first time the motor pool has tried alternative-fueled vehicles. Compressed natural gas pickups and E-85 fuel have been used for several years now.

Since its purchase, the hybrid car has been used by a variety of people although the motor pool is careful of where it goes and how it's treated.

"It goes out with the general fleet somewhat," Gronquist said. "But it's a special car. It's available but limited."

"We haven't sent it on long trips yet, but it has been as far as the Kansas City area, Topeka and Hutchinson," Grater said. "They told us the electric part works best around town."