UCF’s plug-in hybrid car is a greener version of the popular gas and electric-powered hybrids, say team members from UCF’s Center for Energy and Sustainability who converted a 2007 Toyota Prius to a plug-in hybrid vehicle for limited all-electric driving.
While today’s hybrids are driven by electric motors powered by both batteries and an internal-combustion engine, UCF’s plug-in hybrid runs its electric motor on 20 rechargeable 12-volt batteries.
“We wanted a fleet vehicle that could act as an icon for the energy and sustainability initiatives that we are working to promote at UCF,” said David Norvell, energy manager for UCF’s Center for Energy and Sustainability. “By providing an alternative fuel source separate from gasoline, we are working to decrease our impact on the environment.”