SUVs
Can Be Environmentally Friendly
FORT
COLLINS, Colo.— Cross the cutting-edge technology
of electric vehicles with the look and feel of
an SUV
and get an effective urban commuter vehicle.
Platte River Power Authority today unveiled its next
generation of electric vehicles—2001 Toyota
RAV4 all-electric SUVs in its Going Electric program.
In fact, there are two RAV4 EVs in Platte River's
fleet.
To make sure the RAV4s are truly zero emission vehicles,
Platte River connected the charging stations to a
10 kW (kilowatt) photovoltaic system located at its
Headquarters facility in Fort Collins.
Platte River's Going Electric program began in 1992
with the purchase of a Soleq-converted Ford Escort
station wagon (EVcort). An additional EVcort was
purchased in 1993. Both vehicles were added to Platte
River's pool car fleet and used by employees for
short trips. In addition, the EVcorts were displayed
at various community events.
"
It's important for people to remember that Platte
River is committed to be an environmentally responsible
neighbor," said Platte River General Manager
Brian Moeck. "The Going Electric program is
only one of the many environmentally focused practices
and policies we've developed and used since Platte
River was created in 1973."
The RAV4s Platte River leases are part of the Take
Charge program operated by the City and County of
Denver. Eight RAV4s and 39 Toyota Prius hybrid gas-electric
sedans make up the Take Charge program.
The all-electric RAV4 operates on 24 Nickel-Metal
Hydride (niMH) 12-volt batteries located under the
seats in the chassis. The maximum driving range is
approximately 126 miles. The RAV4 is equipped with
an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with a sophisticated
regenerative system that returns energy to the batteries
when the vehicle is coasting or braking. Power comes
from a permanent magnet traction motor. The maximum
speed for the RAV4 is 78 mph.
Platte River Power Authority generates and transmits
electricity to its owner communities of Estes Park,
Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland for delivery
to their utility customers. Platte River's facilities
are located along the Front Range, in northwestern
Colorado and near Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
More information can be found at the following Web
sites:
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