DOE Features Prius, the ‘Next-Gen’ Vehicle

The Department of Energy (DOE) donated Toyota Prius Hybrid Sedan to the national government agencies and Hybrid Patrol Prius cars to the police that can well address energy issues the country faces.

The hybrid vehicles are branded as the next generation hybrid vehicles under Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) which were distributed in Tacloban City in 2017.

The hybrid cars are powered using electricity and fuel. The Toyota Prius is a parallel hybrid; this means it has a gasoline engine and electric motor that are separate from one another.

Further, each can run on its own. Toyota designed the Prius so that it would utilize electric power (which it stores in the battery) instead of gasoline power whenever possible.

Prius to Yolanda ravaged areas

DOE handed 45 Hybrid Patrol Prius cars to the Philippine National Police, two to the Office of Civil Defense, and one Prius Hybrid Sedan each to the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Information Agency, Environment and Management Bureau, Bureau of Fire Protection, Land Transportation Office, and Department of Science and Technology.

These offices are located in Yolanda ravaged areas and the DOE believes that the Prius can help them easily recover from the disaster.

Part of the agreement for the donation of hybrid cars is for the recipients to help DOE in the research, performance testing, and promotion of alternative fuel vehicles for local adaptation

A double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension combined with the body rigidity and aerodynamics of Prius help create a stunningly smooth ride, a Toyota marketing information reported .

Standard on Prius Four and Four Touring is an impressive 11.6-in HD multimedia display. Intuitive pinch, zoom, tap and swipe gestures create a familiar tablet-like experience, giving you easy access to the features that matter most.

Grant given to ensure best condition

The DOE ensured that the cars will be cared for and granted some P200,000 annual budget for the next five years for maintenance of the car, to ensure that they stay in tip-top shape.

The agencies were instructed to submit the Prius cars for maintenance and check up only in Toyota shops.

Before the turn-over, permanent employees acting as drivers of the Prius were trained on the handling, driving, and maintenance of the cars.

DOE instructed that only the personnel trained should handle the car. As to the police cars, each police station submitted at least three personnel for training.

The hybrid cars will help police personnel in patrolling their area to maintain peace and order and respond to emergency situations.

DOE is very keen on patronizing energy efficient technologies, including their official vehicles, said Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi in a file interview.

Prius shines in DOE fora

As the PIA conducts E Power Mo fora in different cities and capital towns in Eastern Visayas, the Prius beneficiary agency also showcases the Hybrid Sedan Prius car to the public where trained driver Raul Tiozon shared the advantages of driving the energy efficient vehicle.

Tiozon travels goes to Maasin City in Southern Leyte down south and to Northern Samar up and also to Eastern Samar and Biliran.

But with the Prius at his service, Tiozon enjoys the smooth glide anywhere in Eastern Visayas, he has no problems with long distance drives as the Hybrid Sedan Prius automatically shifts to electricity and then to gas as needed.

Today, DOE held a special service campaign on Prius Engine wire harness to Hybrid Sedan Prius car beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas to ensure quality service.

Some 53 units in Leyte were covered and subjected to inspection/repair maintenance by Toyota, Tacloban at no cost.

At the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office, one such Hybrid Patrol Prius car was deployed and has been very busy doing the rounds patrolling in every nook and cranny with greatest energy efficiency. (NBQ/PIA 8-E Samar)