San Francisco drives Hybrid

Zipcar, one of the world's largest provider of cars-on-demand, has launched a pilot program for plug-in hybrid vehicles through a partnership with the city of San Francisco. The company recently made the announcement at a press conference with Mayor Gavin Newsom. The scheme was showcased with a converted Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid at a special charging station across the street from City Hall.

Zipcar is supporting the Mayor's drive to increase the awareness and use of electric vehicles, while also providing a convenient, cost-effective solution to consumer transportation needs. Zipcar was the first commercial fleet in the US to widely introduce hybrids in Seattle back in 2003.

In a member survey last month, more than 80 percent of the respondents voiced support for the addition of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles to the fleet. To meet member interests, Zipcar is looking for ways to increase the percentage of these types of vehicles in the fleet in 2009. The pilot program and partnership with the city will provide existing and new Zipcar members with an easy, convenient and cost-effective way to test drive the next generation of clean vehicles.

"Electric vehicles are the future of transportation and the Bay Area is the testing ground for the technology," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "We began using plug-in hybrids in the city's fleet last year. Now, for the first time the public can plug-in to the next generation of cars through car sharing organizations and take them for a drive in San Francisco."

The plug-in hybrid for the San Francisco Zipcar fleet is a Toyota Prius converted with the Hymotion(TM) L5 Plug-In Conversion Module (PCM) provided by A123 Systems. The addition of the Hymotion L5 PCM battery provides the Prius with up to 30 - 40 miles of electrically assisted driving on a single charge from the utility grid. During those first 30 - 40 miles, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by up to 66 percent and fuel economy of up to 100 mpg or greater can be achieved. When the L5 PCM battery is depleted, the Prius automatically reverts to standard HEV operation, so driving range need not be a concern.

For more information please go to www.zipcar.co.uk .

Many European and North American communities run car sharing schemes. If there is no Zipcar near you, you might find other offers. And don?t forget, there is always the option to walk, cycle or to use public transport.