Eagle County is purchasing 20 hybrid Toyota Priuses for its vehicle fleet.

The Prius is at least 50 percent more fuel-efficient compared to the vehicles they are replacing, and they produce significantly less emissions, according to Justin Finestone, the county’s director of communications.

The current vehicles average about 18 miles per gallon, while a Prius averages about 50 mpg. The fuel savings to the county is estimated at more than $21,000 a year.

The county explains that from initial acceleration to low speeds, the Prius is powered solely by the high torque electric motor. In normal driving conditions, the Prius runs on the electric motor and is assisted by the gasoline engine as needed.

When slowing, the gas engine shuts off and the electric motor converts momentum into electricity, storing it in the battery. When the Prius comes to a stop, its gasoline engine shuts off to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.

Eagle County also is researching ways to heat facilities with alternative and renewable fuel sources, replace existing landscaping with xeriscaping, and facilitate recycling within the county and towns.