Calling all car geeks! New electric SUVs are greening up the City’s fleet

[guest]

Something new is rolling on Ottawa’s streets this summer. The City of Ottawa has acquired its first four fully electric passenger vehicles. Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) to be precise.

These SUVs are part of our Municipal Green Fleet Plan.

For 20 years we’ve been exploring new and innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from City vehicles. We’ve looked at anti-idling devices, various hybrid vehicles and vehicles that run on alternative fuels such as propane and ethanol blends, testing them and using them where it makes sense.

Not all electric vehicles are up to the task of performing day-to-day City work on Ottawa roads. Range, durability, storage space and road clearance for winter driving all have to be considered, as well as the cost and impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Introducing the 2020 Hyundai Kona sub-compact sport utility vehicle. Car geeks everywhere can appreciate the following:

• 201 Horsepower Rating
• Vehicle range of up to 415 kms from a full, overnight charge
• Specially designed wheels increase aerodynamics and lower power usage
• Notice there are no holes in the front fascia. Electric vehicles don’t need a radiator, so they don’t need a grill
• There is a small port on the driver’s side where the charging cable plugs in
• The tires on these SUVs are low rolling resistance rubber, which helps to maximize range while driving

There is literally tonnes of potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, involving alternative fuels, new battery technology and more. Today, these SUVs will be used for parking enforcement. Tomorrow, who knows?

Learn more about Energy Evolution: Ottawa’s Community Energy Transition Strategy

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