Lazer 99.3 recently purchased a Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV (from our friends at Lia Toyota of Wilbraham) to greatly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions generated by our street team during our many events throughout the year.
Under the Hood
The Highlander Hybrid's gas/electric powertrain makes 270 horsepower and includes a 3.3-liter V-6 engine. All hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The hybrid has an EV mode that allows it to travel at slow speeds for about 5 miles on battery power alone, according to Toyota.
Why a Hybrid?
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) provide benefits to consumers and the environment. These advanced vehicles cut fuel use and costs while maintaining performance. Here are just a few benefits:
- If an alternate fuel source for vehicles is uncovered immediately, it will take a lot of time to modify the current design of engines to function with the new fuel properly. Hence, HEV might be the best choice for us at this moment.
- Even though the initial cost of HEVs is high, their operating costs are lower in the long run. Since part of the energy is derived from batteries, the requirement for fuel decreases and so does the cost of maintenance.
- Wear and tear on the engine components decreases and hence they function accurately for a longer period of time.
- With decrease in the consumption of fuel, air pollution also decreases.
- Engine of smaller size and power can be used, making it possible to minimize losses and improve efficiency of the HEV.
- HEVs consume less fuel than the conventional internal combustion engines. They provide 40% better fuel efficiency than conventional vehicles, making them extremely cost-effective.
