Hybrid Taxis in the Arctic Circle

I was up in Inuvik, NWT (3 degrees within the Arctic Circle) and saw several hybrid taxis in operations that included a Prius v, both generations of Camry Hybrids and a Gen 2 Highlander Hybrid.

These vehicles are put through harsh driving conditions as the roads dip and heave with the permafrost and highways outside of town are either gravel (Dempster Highway) or ice roads as the Highlander Hybrid's many cracks on the windshield can testify.

The nearest Toyota dealership is over 700 miles away so if any of these need hybrid service, it's an expensive tow truck or shipping expense but none seem to have problems so far (the oldest is a 2010/2011 Camry Hybrid).



So if anyone asks if hybrids work in the cold, tell them that they have hybrid taxis in the Arctic!

 

That's what makes the territories unique! I like the old version better (The current one came into effect a few years ago)

Old version:



I asked them and it was between $1.68-$1.71/litre. That's about $6.30/gal.

Ya know, I didn't think to ask. It should if they're driving around since the engine will be warm but it I'm sure once they "idle" as they wait for customers, that engine temp will drop precipitously. It wouldn't be that much different from me in the middle of winter. I'm on the same side of the mountains as they are and can get just as cold.

 

Silver Prius v taxi taken on the main strip (Mackenzie Road) in Inuvik.

 

Yeah it's the one going away from the camera. I had to fish out my phone and snap the pic.

Yeah I saw only 1 or 2 clean vehicles. The rest are just covered in mud inside and out (inside when I saw them open the passenger door and the taxis we rode in).

There are trees but they're no more than twice your height. Inuvik is within the arctic treeline.