The Kapiti Coast District Council now has two Honda Civic Hybrid cars as part of the Council's commitment to supporting climate change initiatives.
The Honda Civic Hybrids use an ultra-thin electric motor added to the petrol engine. During acceleration, energy from the battery pack is directed to the electric motor to supplement the engine’s performance. During braking and deceleration and electric motor acts as a generator storing energy in the battery pack.
The cars considerably reduce pollution and save fuel but do not compromise on general performance.
Ten Mitsubishi Colts have also been purchased - a decision in which the vehicles’ environmental friendliness was a major consideration.
The two Civic Hybrids reflect the cutting edge of environmental technology. Pure electric cars, while producing no pollution, often need recharging and have lower performance. The hybrid is a compromise, providing power, speed and acceleration, while using less petrol and producing fewer emissions.