I got some great news last week that I had won the opportunity to drive a Plug-in Prius from Toyota Canada. What a great opportunity to show that there are other options out there other than buying another gas guzzler!
Go to the link below to see the press release:
http://media.toyota.ca/pr/tci/en/toyota-canada-commemorates-world-234747.aspx
They chose contestants based on a short essay describing why they would like this honour. Mine stated:
From climate change to energy security to peak oil, there are plenty of reasons to pursue the electrification of the automobile. I think the pure EV should be the long term goal, but the best short to medium term solution is a plug-in hybrid. This goes double for me, living in the interior of BC where there are no fast charging stations and distances from town to town can be greater than the range of current EVs. The plug in Prius would be perfect for my round trip commute of 20 km, plus transporting my children to activities. On the weekends, the Prius' unlimited range and excellent fuel economy would be ideal for trips to visit family near the coast. I have been driving a hybrid for 5 years, and cycling when weather allows. I have always told my students that people need to lead by example and that I would buy an electric vehicle as soon as they are available. This seems to be the year it will happen and it that there will be numerous choices for Canadians, from the range extended Volt to the pure EV Mitsubishi but the best choice seems to be a car that is a proven gasoline miser, and will have enough electric range for most of my daily trips. I would love to be the first of my friends and family to try driving a plug-in Prius!
Go to the link below to see the press release:
http://media.toyota.ca/pr/tci/en/toyota-canada-commemorates-world-234747.aspx
They chose contestants based on a short essay describing why they would like this honour. Mine stated:
From climate change to energy security to peak oil, there are plenty of reasons to pursue the electrification of the automobile. I think the pure EV should be the long term goal, but the best short to medium term solution is a plug-in hybrid. This goes double for me, living in the interior of BC where there are no fast charging stations and distances from town to town can be greater than the range of current EVs. The plug in Prius would be perfect for my round trip commute of 20 km, plus transporting my children to activities. On the weekends, the Prius' unlimited range and excellent fuel economy would be ideal for trips to visit family near the coast. I have been driving a hybrid for 5 years, and cycling when weather allows. I have always told my students that people need to lead by example and that I would buy an electric vehicle as soon as they are available. This seems to be the year it will happen and it that there will be numerous choices for Canadians, from the range extended Volt to the pure EV Mitsubishi but the best choice seems to be a car that is a proven gasoline miser, and will have enough electric range for most of my daily trips. I would love to be the first of my friends and family to try driving a plug-in Prius!