Forget about the keys to the city for a minute; if Gasparilla’s invading pirates want a more accessible prize next year, they might try to plunder the keys to TECO’s electric vehicles. This year, it was one of our extended-range, plug-in electric Chevy pickups that appeared with the TECO float in the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates – passing by throngs of smiling faces and right into the Ye Mystic Krewe’s winners’ circle for “Best Green Float.”
It’s the second year we’ve rolled our current float (coincidentally painted green) in the Gasparilla parade, and the first with the Chevy pickup modified by VIA Motors – the reason for the award, which recognizes our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The plug-in pickup can travel up to 55 miles when fully charged. A gasoline-powered generator in the truck can provide extra range if the battery runs low.
And that truck, along with a growing selection of other options, can be yours as the number of models on the market goes up and prices, in many cases, come down.
(We’ll probably just need to hang on to the TECO float, if that’s OK.)
“It’s a great honor to win the prize for Best Green Float – it’s the icing on top of one of TECO team members’ favorite ways to show the community and our customers how much we love them,” said Lynn Pushman, coordinator of Special Events and Multimedia Graphics with Corporate Communications. “The volunteers from TECO who join us for our parades throughout the year are the ones who make the magic happen. We couldn’t do it without them.”
She added, “Not only do our volunteers bring incredible energy to the parades themselves, but everyone makes it a top priority to ensure that we run a clean ship, throw away all litter and recycle everything we can.”
TECO’s participation in parades across the community showcases a variety of ways we’re invested in its well-being and its future. As we do so, we encourage our customers to consider investing in alternative-fuel vehicles (whether electric or natural gas-powered) and we support the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations.
Until the next parade, join us in staying charged for a community with a bright (as in green) future, powered by environmentally responsible electricity and natural gas.
It’s a future even pirates can appreciate.
No Comments Found