Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan marked Clean Air Day Wednesday by rolling out his Department's new hybrid car.
The Toyota Prius combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to make for high fuel efficiency and low tailpipe emissions.
"As part of PEI's commitment to address climate change, my Department is looking at ways to reduce emissions and fuel consumption which contribute to global warming," said Minister Gillan.
"Exploring cleaner, more energy-efficient transportation alternatives is part of that commitment. We want to make Islanders more aware of these alternatives and demonstrate the benefits to the environment."
The hybrid vehicle will be used primarily by staff in the Department's Water Resources Division who travel extensively across the province to do water sampling. Staff in the Pollution Prevention Division will analyze the car's performance in comparison to another vehicle used in the same capacity.
"By looking at fuel consumption, staff will be able to calculate the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and, in turn, the potential for emission reductions if a fleet of vehicles was converted," Minister Gillan said.
The data on fuel consumption will also be used to measure the potential for savings in operational costs over the life of the vehicle.
The PEI Energy Corporation contributed to the purchase of the Prius. Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie is the minister responsible.
"The PEI Energy Corporation is committed to encouraging environmentally friendly sources of energy, whether they be used in transportation or in heating and lighting our homes. We believe government should set an example in this very important area," he said.
The Prius meets California's ultra-low emission vehicle standard, making it one of the cleanest vehicles on the road. Its fuel consumption is rated at 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres or 62 miles per gallon. The average fuel consumption for vehicles in Canada is 12 litres per 100 kilometres or 23 miles to the gallon.
On the surface, the Prius does not look any different than other cars. Unlike pure electric cars, it does not need to be plugged in. The battery is charged by the gasoline engine and a regenerative braking system – when the car is coasting or braking, the electric motor becomes a generator, turning energy into electricity to recharge the battery.
When travelling at low speeds, the Prius operates on battery power, and when stopped in traffic or at intersections, the engine shuts off completely resulting in zero emissions.
Part of Canadian Environment Week, Clean Air Day is designed to increase public awareness and action on two key environmental priorities: clean air and climate change.