If Silicon Valley wasn’t already known as a paradise for political leftists and tree huggers, this certainly won’t hurt.

Software company Hyperion on Monday unveiled a programme that offers employees $5,000 towards the purchase of a fuel efficient vehicle that achieves a fuel economy of at least 45 miles per gallon (19.1 kilometre per litre). The company’s head quarters are located in the Silicon Valley town of Santa Clara.

“One of the most important steps an individual can take to improve the quality of our air is to drive a vehicle that goes further on a gallon or litre of gas. One of the most important steps a company can take is to help them,” CEO Godfrey Sullivan said in a press release.

The state of California is considering to promote the use of fuel efficient vehicles by giving them access to (less congested) carpool lanes regardless of the number of passengers.

Hyperion CEO and current Mercedes driver Sullivan is leading the way and has already ordered a Toyota Prius, he told Cnet