Toyota Plug In Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration Project launched in the capital

The Toyota Plug In Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) Demonstration Project, administered by Cenex was launched in London in June. It is likely to be at least another 2 years before the Toyota Prius PHV is available commercially, however, thanks to funding support from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), 20 Toyota Prius PHVs are to be used in a 3 year demonstration on the streets of the capital. There are 5 vehicle operators involved in the demonstration including the Government Car and Despatch Agency, Metropolitan Police Services and Transport for London. The vehicles are to go into operation in July 2010 and user behaviour, vehicle performance and infrastructure issues are to be recorded. Toyota claim the hybrid vehicle can achieve up to 12.5 miles range and speeds of 62mph in electric mode alone. EDF are supplying the charging points which are located in workplaces, on-streets and at homes and feature a keypad to identify the user and vehicle.