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Toyota and EDF Launch Hybrid Vehicle Leasing Programme

The British division of Toyota, together with EDF Energy, announced today the launch of a three-year leasing programme involving 20 Prius Plug-in Hybrid cars on London’s streets from July 2010. The programme is aimed at providing important data regarding 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).

“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,”
Miguel Fonseca, Managing Director Toyota (GB) PLC, said in a release.

The cars to enter the programme are the same as the current third-generation full hybrid Prius, but they are equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from a standard 240V electricity supply.

This gives the Prius Plug-in extended capabilities when it is driven in EV (electric vehicle) mode, namely 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.

As part of a worldwide initiative involving 600 Prius Plug-in vehicles, 200 of which are in Europe, the London programme will support the carmaker’s plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid vehicle to the market within the next few years.

“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,” added EDF Energy Managing Director of ESCS Martin Lawrence.
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