Toyota and EDF launch major UK trial of plug-in Prius
Mon 21 June 2010
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Toyota and EDF Energy have launched a three-year leasing programme to demonstrate the use of 20 ultra-low emission plug-in hybrid vehicles in London. The fleet trial is part of the Technology Strategy Board's Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Programme, with funding support from the UK Government, through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
As part of a worldwide initiative involving 600 Prius Plug-in vehicles, 200 of which are in Europe, Toyota's London programme will support the carmaker's plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid vehicle to the market within the next few years.
The vehicles entering the programme are the same as the current third-generation full hybrid Prius, but are additionally equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from a standard 240V electricity supply. This allows extended capabilities when the car is driven in EV mode - facilitating running for up to 12.5 miles solely on its electric motor at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
The vehicle's combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 108.6 mpg (2.17 l/100km) and 59 g/km respectively.
EDF Energy managing director of ESCS Martin Lawrence said: "Transport currently accounts for around a fifth of the country's carbon footprint and the take-up of clean, electric transport can help the UK meet its climate change targets. The five businesses and public organisations demonstrating the vehicles are: Transport for London, the Government Car and Despatch Agency, the Metropolitan Police Service, News International and Sky.
London also saw the launch of a fuel cell hybrid black cab recently, which will go into operation in 2012, by deputy mayor Kit Malthouse at City Hall. The new generation London taxi is powered by an Intelligent Energy hydrogen fuel cell system in combination with lithium polymer batteries.
and has a top speed of over 80 mph and a range of 250 miles with a full tank of hydrogen.
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