Toyota launches plug-in Prius hybrid in UK

Toyota has been testing plug-in versions of its Prius hybrid sedan on public roads in Japan for quite some time and the models have made it Stateside for testing, as well. Now Toyota has begun testing its PHEV in the U.K. Along with EDF Energy, the Japanese automotive giant and undisputed hybrid development leader plans to run the plug-in Prius on public roadways for at least a year, starting today. As the car, with its very unfortunate paint job, is driven by EDF employees as part of the energy company's fleet of vehicles, both its capabilities and the cost savings to run the PHEV will be recorded and hopefully provide some sort of useful data to Toyota. Seriously guys, enough teasing. The real question is when Toyota will find enough reason to actually start offering the plug-in Prius for sale.

[Source: Toyota]

PRESS RELEASE:

EDF Energy and Toyota launch UK trials of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

EDF Energy and Toyota have teamed up to road trial the first Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) introduced by a car manufacturer to the UK. Trials start today and will continue for more than one year. Toyota's right-hand drive PHV will make its on-the-road debut as part of EDF Energy's company fleet and will be tested by employees under every-day driving conditions. The results are expected to play a pivotal role in the development of Toyota's PHV technology, which represents a further improvement on Toyota's hybrid technology, one of the world's most environmentally friendly mass-produced vehicle powertrain technologies.