Toyota to Receive UK Funding

Japanese manufacturer Toyota joins the ranks of manufacturers to receive R&D money to be used in the development or implementation of alternative fueled vehicles. UK's Technology Strategy Board will fund Toyota, through its Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Competition, to support a trial of up to 20 plug-in hybrids. Together with Toyota, EDF Energy have also qualified for the grant.

"Together with our partner EDF Energy we are delighted that our competitive tender for a PHV demonstration in the UK has secured Government endorsement and funding," Miguel Fonseca, Toyota UK managing director said.

Toyota's plug-in to be used in the trial is powered by a lithium-ion battery capable of increasing the range of the vehicle in electric mode. The car will enter the trial in 2010 in London and will be tested for up to three years. It will be offered to public entities and private companies including the Greater London Authority group and the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

“Our new PHV complements the newly-launched third generation Prius as plug-in technology extends electric driving mode almost tenfold, offering an even lower carbon transport solution for those customers with that specific need,” the official added.

The trial will asses the vehicle's performance in urban driving conditions. Data from the trial will be used to inform future technology and policy developments and will be shared with UK's Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies (Cenex) and the Department for Transport.

Together with the 20 vehicles to be deployed in the UK, 480 others will be introduced by Toyota on European, Japanese and American streets.