Of all those awarded funding from the Technology Strategy Board’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Competition, perhaps it comes as less of a surprise to Toyota and its partner EDF Energy.
The companies have been testing plug-in hybrid vehicles since September 2008 in London and now will embrace the opportunity to test the vehicles under demanding real-life situations.
The news complements the newly launched third-generation Prius with plug-in technology able to extend the electric driving mode almost ten-fold creating an even lower carbon transport solution.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson also sees Toyota as playing a key role in the trials.
“I am absolutely thrilled that Toyota and EDF Energy have won funding to deliver innovative plug in electric hybrid vehicles onto the capital’s streets,” he said.
“The Greater London Authority group will be trialling a number of these vehicles as part of our active participation in this winning bid. I want to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe and these trials will provide us with valuable information on what is needed to ensure they can become an everyday choice.”
The Japanese manufacturer’s plug-in vehicle adds an electric driving mode to the existing benefits of Toyota’s full hybrid technology. It can be driven as an electric vehicle for short distances including city commutes, while for long distances it can operate as a full hybrid with a petrol engine serving as both a power source and battery generator.
The trial begins in London in 2010 and will last for a period up to three years. It is the intention that the vehicles will be leased to a mixture of public bodies and private companies, including the Government Car and Despatch Agency and the Greater London Authority group.
Toyota hopes to employ 500 plug-in vehicles globally by 2010.
