The Altima Hybrids have been assigned to areas of the city where their fuel efficiency presents the greatest economic and environmental benefit—both in precincts with a large coverage area and smaller precincts prone to heavy stop-and-go traffic. The 40 hybrid vehicles, 18 marked and 22 unmarked, will be used in patrol precincts and other units in all five boroughs.

The hybrid Altimas are partially funded by the intra-agency Energy Conservation Steering Committee, created by Executive Order signed by Mayor Bloomberg in 2007 and chaired by Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler.

While the Altima hybrids are the first alternate fuel vehicles to be used as regular police cars, the NYPD already uses hybrid vehicles in its parking enforcement fleet as well as electric scooters. The Police Department also has 10 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs employed by NYPD Duty Captains for marked patrol. Additionally, police officers utilize T-3 personal movers in city parks, stadiums and beaches.

The Nissan Altima Hybrids were acquired earlier this year following evaluation and testing by the Police Department’s Fleet Services Division and Driver Training Unit. At $25,391 per vehicle, the Altima hybrids cost about $1,500 more than the conventional Impala. At 35 miles per gallon for city driving, the hybrid Altima gets double the gas mileage of the Impala, which gets only 16 miles per gallon.

The Altima hybrids, manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee and outfitted with equipment specialized for patrol, will be used in addition to the Chevrolet Impala and the Ford Crown Victoria. The Department also uses Dodge Chargers, mainly for highway patrol. After a year of monitoring the vehicles performance the Department will determine whether to further expand them into the fleet.

In July 2008, Mayor Bloomberg put forth a long-term action plan to achieve the PlaNYC goal of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the City’s municipal buildings and operations by 30% by 2017.

To meet its 30% reduction goal by 2017, the City must produce 1.68 million fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) annually compared with 2006 levels. This will be achieved through an aggressive capital improvement program for the City’s facilities, and significant enhancements to its current operations and maintenance practices. The projects in the long-term plan, including the purchase of some of the Nissan Altima hybrids, will be partially funded by an annual commitment of 10% of the City’s energy budget, which in fiscal year 2009 is $100 million. City government accounts for approximately 6.5% of New York City’s total energy usage and 10% of its peak electricity demand.