MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), as part of the governor’s “Smart Fleet” initiative, has led the way for vehicle technology for the state. In an effort to lighten its ecological footprint, the MnDNR is operating 13 gas/electric hybrids along with 242 flex-fuel vehicles. This fall, the MnDNR partnered with Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Administration, and Minnesota State University, Mankato to conduct an experiment in hybrid conversion.

Last week, MnDNR purchased and delivered a Toyota Prius to Minnesota State’s Automotive Engineering program to convert into a plug-in hybrid. The hybrid will be equipped with new battery packs, new controls, and a bio-fuel system that will combine the environmental benefits of electric cars with the long-range distance capabilities of liquid fuel cars. If the vehicle passes the testing phase at Minnesota State University, the MnDNR will receive the Prius back in May 2007 as a plug-in hybrid with a fuel efficiency approaching 100 mpg.