The Ministry Of Energy and Energy Affairs has added a second hybrid vehicle to its fleet with the purchase of a Hybrid Toyota Camry.This comes two years after the purchase of their first hybrid, the Toyota Prius, in 2012.The addition of this vehicle enforces the ministry's commitment to diversify its fleet away from using older, inefficient, diesel-guzzling 4x4s for courier services, read a statement.
Kevin Ramnarine, Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs, championed hybrid and CNG vehicle use at the Ministry and also at its state companies.The National Energy Corporation, the National Gas Company and Petrotrin are also making the move from regular gasoline vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.
The Hybrid Camry maintains an average mileage of 41 miles per gallon while the standard gasoline powered Camry maintains an average of 30 miles per gallon, giving the hybrid the upper hand as the more economical option. Ministry officials are also currently finalising a concept note for incentives to lower the price of hybrid vehicles in T&T, read the statement.
In the statement, Ramnarine stressed the importance of changing the current mind set towards a more energy efficient future, "While we are blessed with great natural gas and crude oil reserves, we also need to take the lead in conserving transport fuels and improving energy usage."
He said the purchase of these vehicles is allied with the National Energy Communication Campaign, which is proving "hugely successful" through its interactive Web site, www.myenergytt.com, in education and awareness about the energy sector, energy efficiency and the ongoing deployment of renewable energy technology across T&T.