What do hybrids, electric GEM cars, Segways, and a bus that runs on biodiesel fuel all have in common? Yes, they’re all much easier on the environment than the typical oil-dependent car or truck, but they’re also all on campus!
It’s not exactly common knowledge that the University of Rochester is home to an ever-expanding fleet of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Ranging from buses to sedans to even tractors, the University has invested in a plethora of alternative vehicles that are currently being used by several different facets of the University.
Even though hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles have received a lot of hype in recent years, stocking the U of R with these environmentally conscious wheels isn’t always the simplest task. Manager of Fleet Services, Jim Chodak is in charge of purchasing new vehicles when they’re needed. He is committed to making environmentally and economically responsible choices for each purchase.
Oftentimes, these purchases require a lot of research and test trials. For example, when purchasing the electric MILES truck for Mail Services in 2008, electricity usage and practicality in winter weather were monitored to see if these vehicles were the best replacement for the cargo trucks previously used. With the issue of practicality in mind, Chodak notes that it’s important to consider the applications of each vehicle rather than simply purchase all hybrid vehicles.
Unfortunately, while the new technology is exciting, electric and hybrid vehicles often do not have the hauling capacity that is needed for some applications. For example, Facilities has a large fleet of trucks and cargo vans that are difficult to find alternative replacements for that meet the same work efficiency standards.
Despite some limitations, Chodak always looks to see if there is a greener alternative when it comes time for the University to obtain a new vehicle. Previous purchases include hybrid vehicles used in many departments and Segways used by Mail Services, Facilities, and Security. To try and cover the extra expensive of hybrid vehicles, Chodak looks for government grants and incentive programs whenever possible. Opportunely, the electric GEM cars that one can often see zipping across campus were generously given to the University in 2002.
One of the best uses of a hybrid vehicle is by Parking, which has replaced many of their older cars with hybrid Toyota Highlanders. The hybrid technology works especially well for Parking workers because they do significant amounts of stop-and-go driving, making it a perfect fit for a hybrid vehicle. Similarly, Mail Services uses one of these as a courier vehicle to deliver mail to the various buildings across the University.
All things considered, the University’s collection of alternative vehicles is pretty impressive. Now, if only the Jetsons would call us back about those flying cars…
I’m guessing the argument for solar energy is taking a hit with the recent low gas prices…..I expect gas to go back up, but it stays low for awhile, the focus goes away from various alternative fuels, which is too bad.
good post.
Thanks for your effort.
This is an awesome article on hybrids. I love to see the masses finally taking to this technology. Everyone was somewhat slow adopters of this new technology and now it seems like we can’t get enough of the Prius instock. I think it finally started clicking with people. Plus it always helps when people get the knowledge out there in the marketplace on how wonderful these cars are!