Yuma adds to 'green fleet'

The city of Yuma unveiled new "green vehicles" Wednesday, adding to its growing fleet of alternative fuel vehicles.

City officials say they are acting ahead on an anticipated federal mandate already in place in nearby counties.

Six Toyota Camrys were shown off at the Public Works building and two Ford Escapes were expected for delivery soon, said Charlie Caudill, fleet manager for the city. The Camry is a passenger sedan that will be used by city staff, while the Escape, a small sport utility vehicle with off-road capabilities, is expected to be used by the Development Services Department, Caudill said.

"The hybrids cost $3,500 more than a gas-only car but they get 35-40 percent more gas mileage," Caudill said. "Over the life of the vehicle (100,000 miles or eight years) projected savings are $1,500 for the Camry and $3,000 to $3,500 for the Escape."

Since 2001 the city has been buying the alternative-fuel Toyota Prius for city staff use and now has six. The hybrids emit 40 percent less pollutants, according to its Web site, Caudill noted.

The Prius gets 40 to 46 miles per gallon compared to the 18 miles per gallon of previous city sedans, Caudill said. The city is also preparing to switch over to E-85 compatible fuel vehicles. These cars use a blend of 85 percent corn or other plant mass and 15 percent regular gas fuel. E-85 costs just $1.40 per gallon, yet it gets 30 percent less mileage, he said.

Expected by next January are 17 Ford Crown Victoria police vehicles and 13 F-150 Ford trucks that are E-85 compatible, Caudill said.

There are also 125 city diesel vehicles that are targeted for a changeover to B-20 fuel. This is another blend that is 20 percent bio-diesel (vegetable based) and 80 percent regular diesel. This fuel yields much fewer emissions. Its cost varies now from two cents less to two cents more per gallon than regular diesel gas. The city staff is still working on a budget to implement the use of this alternative fuel, Caudill said.

All the other alternative fuel programs have already been calculated into the city's equipment replacement fund and there will be no impact on taxes, Caudill noted. As opportunities arise over the next year, the city hopes to fit more alternative vehicles into its fleet of 742, he said.

The EPA has already mandated that Maricopa and Pima counties have 50 percent of their fleets as alternative-fuel vehicles and Yuma County "is trying to be proactive rather than reactive," Caudill said.

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William Roller can be reached at

wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.