Happy Earth Day & GPF's Foot Print (Hybrid Vehicles)

EARTH DAY

& GPF'S FOOTPRINT 

In these days of high pollution and higher gas prices, it only makes sense that Guardian Protection Force has a small, yet impressive, fleet of hybrid-patrol vehicles.

Currently, we have two Ford Maverick trucks, two Ford Escapes, and one Ford Bronco. 

These vehicles have been essential in both our daily operations and especially with our patrols.

As technology advances a steady trend is emerging and it appears to be gaining steam; Hybrid and electric vehicles are here to stay.

Also, it cannot be overstated that the accident-avoidance safety features in these newer models are invaluable;

Blind spot detection mirrors,

collision avoidance alarms,

and rear cameras

All of these features have helped our armed-patrol drivers maintain a level of safety when on the road.

However, the history of hybrids hasn’t been all peaches and cream.

Some of us will remember the stigma of owning a hybrid during the early 2000s. They were new, a bit weird looking, and couldn’t tame hills worth a darn. This gave rise to an unspoken assumption that Hybrids are weak and by extension so are their owners.

Fortunately, this is no longer the case, hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) are dominating the market.

... And not only have they become sexier, but few speak ill of them.

In fact, one particular EV has blown its fossil fuel competitors out of the water when it comes to speed and power. Don’t believe me? Just ask any owner of a Ford Mustang if they beat a Tesla Model S in a race.

... The answer is always “nope.”

But bravado aside, these vehicles have changed the way we at Guardian think about getting around in the era of ridiculously high gas prices.

Memes are popping up all over social media, poking fun at the struggle of traditional low mileage vehicles and high gas prices: 

“My wife said she wanted

me to take her out

to someplace expensive.

So I took her to the gas station.”

As funny as it may be there is a tear of sadness behind the laughter.

Those who scoff as owning a hybrid will feel a pinch in their pockets as gas prices continue to rise. However, there is some truth to the skepticism of owning a hybrid. While it’s true these vehicles will save you money at the pump and they are better for the environment they do have some flaws and it’s best to do your research before purchasing one.

Guardian had to learn the hard way that owning or leasing a hybrid only puts money back into your pocket if you drive in certain areas.

For example, GPF first started out with Ford Fusion Hybrids. While this vehicle ran smooth and looked amazing, we noticed a dip in the MPG ratio the more it was driven. Turns out that some hybrid designs do not work properly if you drive past a certain speed, say 50 MPH, or sit idle for too long.

For those that don’t know how hybrids work, here is a quick rundown: 

They are called hybrids

because they have a traditional motor

and a motor assist battery.

When the brakes are applied

the energy that is used to stop

the vehicle is sent back

to the battery which,

in turn,

is then used to assist the engine.

This cycle increases gas mileage and means you make fewer trips to the pump.

Some hybrids also come with a system called ‘Auto Stop’. This feature uses the stored energy to shut off the engine while it is sitting idle at a stop light. When the light turns green, and you release the brake the engine automatically comes back on.

However, if you are constantly going fast, say on a freeway, the battery has very few chances to charge properly.

This is the main flaw with most hybrids and it is the reason GPF has altered its routes to maximize the benefits of hybrid use.

After all, not everyone has to do patrols services for a living. Economically speaking, if you purchase a hybrid with the intent of using city streets to get around then you will take full advantage of the hybrid system.

However, if you are constantly using the freeway, you might want to consider an EV or a gas saving traditional vehicle.  

Happy Earth Day,

From the Guardian Gang 

Side note: Guardian Protection Force has one EV. It is an electric cart that we utilize for warehouse security and some residential security assignments. And before you ask no it cannot outrun a Ford Mustang, but it can keep pace with the local cats.