Toyota and EDF Energy will test Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Leasing Programme
Toyota and EDF Energy today launch a three-year leasing programme, which brings extra-low emissions plug-in hybrid vehicle technology to the streets of London.
Toyota Prius Plug-in will join the vehicle fleets of five businesses and public organisations, where they will demonstrate the fuel efficiency, low emissions, cost savings and everyday practicality their rechargeable hybrid power system can deliver.
The data collected by the real-world experiences will provide both companies and UK Government further information about river attitudes and usage patterns to help them design their strategies for introducing plug-in hybrids and recharging technologies.
EDF Energy has created a charging infrastructure, which will record information and deliver tips about energy savings and reduced emissions, recharging patterns and preferences.
The programme is a part of Technology Strategy Board's Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Programme, which is funded by the UK Government.
"I am delighted to be joining with EDF Energy to launch the UK's largest plug-in hybrid programme, a project that will deliver valuable insights into the behaviour and preferences of UK drivers as they engage with the technology for the first time and experience it in their everyday driving routines. Toyota is committed to developing sustainable, low emissions mobility and Prius Plug-in marks another important element in our environmental leadership, and a further step towards its ambition of building the ultimate eco-car.", comments Miguel Fonseca, Managing Director Toyota (GB) PLC.
"I also welcome the partnership Toyota has formed with EDF Energy, with the Government organisations that are supporting us, and the end-users who have signed up to the programme. I am confident that everyone involved will gain important benefits through the course of the programme.", he added.
"I am delighted that EDF Energy, the UK's largest producer of low-carbon electricity, can play such an important role in the research and demonstration of these new vehicles. And I'm proud to collaborate with Toyota on this project as it builds on the success of the first plug-in hybrid vehicle trial which began a year ago.", noted EDF Energy Managing Director of ESCS Martin Lawrence.
"The new Government has committed to a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The demonstration that we launch today plays a key part in that development. 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. Sustainability is at the core of our business and it is work like this that helps EDF Energy meet the climate change targets set out in our new Sustainability Commitments." , says Mr. Lawrence.
One of the vehicles, which will take a part in programme is Prius Plug-in EV (electric vehicle). The vehicle is capable of running for up to 12.5 miles solely on its electric motor at speeds up to 62mph. Prius Plug-in's combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 108.6mpg and 59g/km respectively.
EDF Energy is the UK's largest producer of low carbon electricity. The company is working with the Greater London Authority with the aim of installing up to 550 public access charging points across the capital, as part of the Plugged in Places programme.
If the mission be accomplished, the CO2 emissions will be significantly reduced as well as the fuel consumption, costs and taxes.
