EDF Energy and Toyota this week launched a three-year leasing programme that brings ultra-low emissions plug-in hybrid vehicle technology to the streets of London.
The first Toyota Prius Plug-ins to reach the UK are joining 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 real-world experiences of the drivers and fleet operators will provide both companies and the UK Government with valuable insights into driver attitudes and usage patterns. This will help them design their strategies for introducing plug-in hybrids and recharging technologies. It will also help inform and shape public policy in this field.
The programme aims to eliver valuable intelligence about the benefits gained in energy savings and reduced emissions, recharging patterns and preferences.
The leasing programme is part of the Technology Strategy Board's Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Programme, and benefits from funding support from the UK Government, through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
The organisations and business taking part in the programme are Transport for London, the Government Car and Despatch Agency, the Metropolitan Police Service, News International and Sky.
Miguel Fonseca, managing director Toyota (GB) PLC, said: "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.
"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.
EDF Energy managing director of ESCS Martin Lawrence said: "I am delighted EDF Energy, the UK's largest producer of low-carbon electricity, can play such an important role in the research and trialling 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.
"The new Government has committed to a national recharging network for electric and plug in hybrid vehicles. The trial 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."
The cars involved in the lease programme are based on the current third-generation full hybrid Prius, but they are equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery that can be recharged simply by being connected to a standard 240V electricity supply. EDF Energy has identified appropriate plug, socket, wiring and cabling specifications to comply with BS7671 safety standards, while maintaining fundamental ease of use. The charging points incorporate a keypad that enables each user and vehicle to be identified when recharging takes place.
EDF Energy is also 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.