In keeping with the questionably badged Hybrid Jeep Wrangler of earlier this week, may I present to my exponentially growing readership- the Hybrid™ Chevy© Express® Boston Transportation Department van.

Upon further research, this might not be utter bullshit in the same way that the hybrid Wrangler absolutely was.

However, I’m willing to bet this is utter bullshit in a different way.  25% increase in mileage, but no quote for cost of installation and parts.  Something tells me this is a terrible way for municipalities to increase their hybrid fleet percentages.

Online research turns up some numbers though- about $8,000 for a conversion with a claimed payback period of 3 years.  That’s not too bad.  And considering the amount of city driving and idle time these vans see every day, I would predict an even faster payback time.  Does this make it worth it, though?

In a city like Paris with serious smog issues due to diesel exhaust fumes, I would say converting municipal vehicles into hybrids probably does make sense.  In urban United States, though, the $8,000 would be better spent fighting pollution in more meaningful ways, like the Green Line Extension that has been delayed so frequently, the original plans are actually written in hieroglyphics.  Bad joke, I know.