Toyota plans large plug-in hybrid tests

Toyota has announced a major tie-up with energy company EDF to test the feasibility of a recharging network for use in conjunction with the latest generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

About 100 examples of the plug-in Prius will be supplied by Toyota on a lease agreement to selected companies in Strasbourg, France, beginning later in 2009 for a duration of three years.

From Toyota's perspective, it will gather data that should feed into the development of the next generation of hybrid and electric cars, while EDF is more interested in the recharging network.

For the trials, the cars will use a new recharging system that identifies the car to the network to allow simple billing and safe recharging. The charging points will be installed at users' homes, workplaces and in public car parks.

The plug-in hybrid is likely to emerge as the stepping stone between today's conventional cars and the all-electric replacements of the future. Toyota's plug-in Prius utilises a lithium-ion battery to power it in emissions-free mode and when the battery loses charge the petrol engine kicks in. Though the battery may be charged using the engine's output users may also plug the car into the mains to extend the car's zero emissions travel.

Of course, if the electricity doesn't come from a renewable resource the whole idea is pointless, which is where EDF comes in. The company claims that 95 per cent of its electricity output in France comes from CO₂ emissions-free sources, such as nuclear power.

Shane O' Donoghue