Chamber of Commerce to launch first hybrid motor vehicle on local market

The Chamber of Commerce will host a media event next week to launch the first hybrid motor vehicle to be available on the local market.

The Toyota Prius, which has an electric motor and gasoline engine, is now available at Star Garage – the local Toyota dealer, and its arrival has been lauded by the Chamber.{{more}}

Executive director of the Chamber Anthony Regisford says his organization fully endorses renewable energy use, energy efficiency and green energy lifestyles, hence their involvement.

“We have been involved in symposiums with the Energy Unit and also recently hosted a lunch with Reykjavik Geothermal and Emera to bring members up to speed with the potential of geothermal energy.

“So, while the Chamber looks for the use of renewable energy to contain energy costs and lower the cost of doing business, we also understand its importance to energy security. We also go further. We are also an endorser of green energy lifestyles because that has a net positive effect for the economy of the country.”

Regisford said the Chamber “happily endorses” the entrance of the first hybrid vehicle on the market and congratulates longstanding Chamber member Silky DaSilva of Star Garage for “leading the charge” in the green energy transportation sector.

According to www.toyotaoforlando.com, the Prius is a parallel hybrid; this means it has a gasoline engine and electric motor that are separate from one another.

“Further, each can run on its own. Toyota designed the Prius so that it would utilize electric power (which it stores in the battery) instead of gasoline power, whenever possible.”

According to the website, at low speeds, the vehicle will run off the electric motor. Once the vehicle starts accelerating, the Prius will utilize both the electric motor and the gasoline engine. However, during full acceleration, the vehicle will utilize the gasoline engine.

“Meanwhile, the battery is working overtime to supply drive power to the electric motor. When you start to brake or slow down, the gasoline engine cuts off to save fuel; since you’re still moving and producing momentum, the electric motor converts it into power to save for later.”

According to Toyota, the Prius offers an estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 miles per gallon on the highway.