Sacramento — The state Department of General Services (DGS) today announced the addition of one of the most fuel efficient and low emission cars in the world to its fleet of "environment friendly" vehicles. The 2000 Honda Insight, with its "hybrid" power source of batteries and gasoline, can travel up to 70 miles per gallon.

 

       "The addition of this new technology to the state’s automotive fleet is part of California’s continuing commitment to reducing harmful emissions," said Office of Fleet Administration Chief Timothy Bow. "Not only will the Insight help reduce air pollution, it will dramatically reduce fuel bills as well."

 

       The Honda Insight utilizes a cleaner burning gasoline-powered engine and a powerful electric motor. Unlike all-electric vehicles, the car does not have to be plugged into a recharging station because the gas motor recharges the battery pack during deceleration and braking. The innovative hybrid engine will achieve an Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy range of 70 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 61 mpg in the city. The two-passenger coupe is also certified by the California Air Resources Board as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, which makes it one of the "greenest" cars on the road.

 

       Through its Office of Fleet Administration, DGS is leading the state in reducing vehicle emissions by making hundreds of non-polluting and low emission cars, trucks, and vans available to state and local agencies. DGS plans to add 11 of the hybrid- powered cars to the state’s main fleet garage in Sacramento in the near future.