NIU’s transportation department is getting the most mileage out of its money with the help of fuel-friendly electric/gasoline hybrid cars.

The department, which manages all vehicles used by the university, currently uses two Toyota Priuses and has six more on the way, said Bill Finucane, manager of transportation.

The Prius is one of three hybrid vehicles on the market, along with the Honda Insight and Civic, which use a combination of gasoline and electric motors.

NIU faculty and staff use the cars for a variety of purposes, Finucane said, including commuting off-campus.

Finucane said the 236 vehicles that NIU owns, which includes sedans, buses and a semi, will be reduced to 225 by next year.

Budget changes have led to the reductions, Finucane said.

One of the new Priuses will be for University Police, Finucane said, as squad cars spend a significant amount of time idle. The Prius’ low fuel usage while idling will help keep costs down.

The rest of the vehicles will be added to the motor pool currently used by NIU employees and students, Finucane said.

“People really like driving them,” he said. Finucane said the car’s mileage and unusually quiet ride are reasons for its popularity.

The Prius’ fuel efficiency is one of its biggest strengths, Finucane said, and can sometimes reach over 50 miles per gallon.

Finucane said the car’s mileage is extended through a process known as regenerative braking, which is where the energy taken from coasting and braking is used by the gasoline motor to recharge the electric battery.

Cold weather sometimes can affect the battery’s efficiency, but it becomes less of a factor over time, Finucane said.

Toyota sold nearly 25,000 models last year, according to a company press release.

The Prius was Motor Trend’s 2004 Car of the Year.