OGDEN -- The city's police force is beginning to use hybrid vehicles in an effort to save money and reduce air pollution.

Ogden's police department has purchased four electric, hybrid vehicles that use a nickel-metal-hydride battery.

The electric motor propels the Ford Escape up to 25 mph, but also uses gasoline to go faster. It can reach speeds of 102 mph and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 10 seconds.

The vehicles help the environment by using a regenerative braking system that recharges the battery and allows it not to use fuel when stopped in traffic or while driving at low speeds.

That helps save the department money, said Richard Brookins, the city's fleet manager.

"We currently spend $176 weekly to fuel a traditional patrol vehicle, and because much of that vehicle's time is spent at low speeds through the city streets or at idle, reducing those costs and increasing efficiency was certainly a concern," Brookins said in a prepared statement. "I just had no idea it would make this much of a difference. It not only burns less fuel but it helps us keep the air cleaner in Ogden."

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D3.