Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Toyota
Video: Minneapolis mayor drives a plug-in Prius

The Mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota, R.T. Rybak, is currently on his third hybrid vehicle after having previously driven a standard Toyota Prius and a Ford Escape Hybrid. He's now back in a Prius, but this time it's a plug-in version. The plug-in Prius is a conversion done by A123 subsidiary HyMotion. It's claimed that they get up to 70 mpg compared to the old Crown Victoria that used to shuttle the mayor which got 10 mpg. Check out the video of the mayor with his car after the jump.
[Source: Minneapolitics.com, thanks to Bretton for the tip]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Austin 1:31PM (10/30/2007)
Wow, I really like that a higher up has taken the initiative to do something like this. I'm sure those questions the camera man asked him had be rehearsed prior to the filming, but even so, they were great answers and I hope he gets that grant he applied for! If I ever get the chance I think it would be really cool to meet him.
I hope they do a city wide conversion to green energy and all that good stuff. They can set an example for cities all around the US. That would be great!
Reply
Hank 6:43PM (10/30/2007)
On the Prius, I really don't understand Toyota's reluctance to offer this as an option from the factory. I know they've made lots of excuses, but none of them wash imho.
As to his old Crown Vic...was something wrong with it? Every one I've ever driven, even going back 15 years, got at least 19-20 city and 24-27 hwy...at least when I drove them. Maybe he's got a lead foot?
Reply
pmgpmg 5:19AM (11/01/2007)
- With 70miles/Galon'cars, states income fuel tax are going low...
" Oregon is testing a new GPS-based road tax system"
http://sports.autoblog.com/2006/03/27/oregon-testing-mileage-based-road-tax-system/
Reply