NYPD boys in blue will be driving green.

The Big Apple has bought 40 Nissan Altima hybrid cars to be used as patrol cars for the city’s finest. Instead of patrolling the streets at 16mpg in Impalas (hey GM! Are you still wondering why you are having financial problems?) the boys and girls will be getting 35mpg in their hybrids.

Of course, the city had to pay about $1500 more for each of the hybrid cars. It’ll take 2-3 years for the city to get its money back in gas savings depending on actual mileage and gas prices.

Nissan Altima for the NYPD

Nissan Altima for the NYPD

NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, said:

“Through savings in fuel, these Altimas can quickly cover their additional cost, from then they will save taxpayers money – another example of how going green is good for our environment and our pocketbooks.”

So, Mike, why stop at 40 cars?

Nissan? Why not give the city a break and ask them to pay you back in 2-3 years once the money has been saved?

[via TreeHugger]