LA Lauds Toyota for Selling Electric Vehicles
LOS ANGELES--Dec. 14, 2001--City and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power officials, today hailed Wednesday's announcement by the Toyota Motor Sales USA that the company will provide their RAV4 electric vehicle for sale or lease beginning in February 2002.
"I have been driving the RAV4 electric sports utility vehicle all over Los Angeles for several months. It is a great car and fun to drive. I congratulate Toyota for their announcement to provide this wonderful vehicle to the general automobile buying public," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti.
During 2001-2002 alone, LADWP is in the process of leasing 100 RAV4 electric vehicles. LADWP staff that maintain and monitor the 170 strong electric vehicle fleet report that in their experience the RAV4 electric vehicle is very dependable.
LADWP said Toyota's announcement marks the first time that electric vehicles will be available for sale to the public and also is the first time in more than a year that electric vehicles will be available for lease to the general consumer by one of the major automobile manufacturing companies.
Electric vehicles, from the major manufacturers, have only been available for lease to business or government fleets in the past year.
"We are thrilled with Toyota's decision to take the step offering their RAV4 electric vehicles to the general consumer. Electric vehicles are the only zero emission vehicles available on the market today. The cost of maintaining electric vehicles is much lower than conventional gasoline powered cars. In addition, the cost of electricity to charge electric vehicles is only about 1/3 the cost of gasoline fuel," said Angelina Galiteva, LADWP director of strategic planning.
Galiteva added that LADWP has 15 years of experience operating electric vehicles. In fact, LADWP recently reached a milestone when its electric vehicle fleet achieved the million-mile mark in usage. The LADWP electric vehicle fleet in addition to the RAV4 includes station wagons, vans, trucks, a two-seat sporty car, hyper mini vehicles and shuttle buses.
In addition to lower costs of electric charging compared to gasoline, public charging stations in Los Angeles and throughout California provide the opportunity to "fill-up" for free.
LADWP, alone, with financial assistance from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Mobile Source Reduction Committee, has installed more than 450 electric public chargers in municipal buildings, shopping malls, museums, stadiums and other major facilities.
"A major added plus is that by using electric vehicles, consumers will help the nation achieve energy independence and economic security because we will reduce the use of expensive foreign oil," Galiteva said.
About LADWP and Green LA Program
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nation's largest municipally owned utility has provided water and electric services to people and businesses in the city for almost 100 years.
Further information about the LADWP Electric Transportation Program and the other Green LA initiatives that include Energy Efficiency, Solar Power, Green Power, Cool Schools Tree Planting and Recycling can be obtained by logging onto GreenLA.com or phone 1-800-GreenLA.