A Green Fleet at DPS |
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October 26, 2010,
Volume 57, No. 09
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The Division of Public Safety is doing its part to reduce Penn’s carbon footprint with sustainable vehicles. The stars of its green fleet are the Vetrix Electric Motor Cycle and the T3, a fully electric, upright vehicle. The T3 runs on two lightweight batteries and affords 25 miles of operation on a full charge. A zero-emission vehicle, the T3 uses only about 10 cents a day worth of electricity. The Vetrix Electric Motor Cycle was purchased by the Division of Public Safety in 2008. Powered by a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, the Vetrix costs approximately half as much as a gas-fueled Harley Davidson. Fully electric, it operates at a cost of two cents per mile. On a full charge (3-5 hours on any 110-volt outlet), the cycle can patrol for 35-55 miles and can reach a top speed of 62 miles per hour. Like the T3, the Vetrix produces zero emissions.
DPS also has seven hybrid vehicles in its fleet, which, along with the Vetrix, results in using 2,359 fewer gallons of fuel annually, a 22.4 ton reduction in carbon dioxide emission and a 525 pound reduction in carbon monoxide emission. DPS also operates eco-friendly human-powered vehicles, with 4-8 bicycle shifts patrolling 24/7.
Related: Penn's Sustainable Transportation Initiative
Left: The Vetrix Motor Cycle can go from 0-60 miles per hour in about 10 seconds.
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