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Hybrid vehicles join RAC fleet

04 December 2008

Two hybrid vehicles are to join the RAC's fleet of recovery cars.

The converted Ford Transit hybrids will be trialled in a bid to reduce carbon emission, fuel consumption and cost.

If successful, the recovery group plans to increase the number of hybrid vehicles in its fleet.

Steve Lydon, RAC quality manager, said: "The Hybrid+ system is bolted on to the engine of the vehicle. When you pull away, it kicks in and turns the engine using the electricity it has stored, as opposed to fuel. A 20 per cent fuel saving has been proposed but we want to test this to make sure it is effective."

He added that the two patrols, one in London and one in Norwich, would learn how to drive in a different way to get the maximum savings from the hybrids, claiming they would change gear at less than 2,100 rpm.

The recovery service is also setting up arrangements with local garages to fix cars as close to the breakdown site as possible rather than towing vehicles a long way.

Meanwhile, the RAC has used the fifth anniversary of a law prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving to urge the public to comply.

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