Port Angeles” newest car a real gas nuzzler

Published 12:01 am Thursday, March 24, 2005

The Port Angeles City Council this week approved buying a high-mileage hybrid vehicle to represent the city’s recycling program.

A single bid was received from Wilder Toyota of $22,483 for a Toyota Prius, which is a midsized gas-electric car that gets up to 60 miles per gallon in city driving, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The 2005 city budget has $30,000 set aside to replace a 1956 Chevrolet sedan that was known as The Recyclemobile. The 48-year-old car was sold recently on eBay for $13,200.

The Toyota Prius relies on a combination of a gas engine, electric motor and battery pack to power it down the road. The 1.5-liter engine has 76 horsepower.