Eagle County County Colorado looks back on three years of having 20 Prius in their fleet of county vehicles. As originally reported on priusownersgroup.com back in 2007, Eagle county bought these Prii replacing Jeep Libertys and Chevy Tahoes. They managed to save almost $45,000 in fuel in the first six months. Over the course of three years they've managed the following:
- Each Prius has an average of 36,379 miles on it.
- Total operating cost of the Prii, .14 per mile, 20% lower than the average fleet cost of .17 per mile.
- The county estimates the Prii used 175 percent less gas than the sports utility vehicles that they replaced.
The previous county vehicles averaged 18 miles per gallon of gas. The Prius' average 49.58 miles to the gallon.
Harry Taylor, Eagle County Colorado Fleet Manager said, "Building inspectors don't always need a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive through mud. Or when a county employee needs to get to a meeting or run an errand, they can use the most economical vehicle. The Prius is essentially the staff car."
So not only has Eagle County polluted less and saved more money but they've also done something a little more subtle. They have, through direct experience demonstrated that a four wheel drive SUV isn't required for all tasks. By adding these vehicles to the fleet, Eagle County has taught their staff that very old proverb, the right tool for the right job. And for most driving, the Prius does just great.
Cheers to Eagle County Colorado.
