The lease program includes cars that are based on the current third-generation full hybrid Prius, equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged by being connected to a standard 240V electricity supply.
EDF Energy has identified appropriate plug, socket, wiring and cabling specifications for recharging these vehicles. The charging points include a keypad that helps identify each user and vehicle when recharging takes place.
The program, launched as a part of the Technology Strategy Board’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Program, is supported by the UK government fund, through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
The organizations and business taking part in the program are Transport for London, the Government Car and Despatch Agency, the Metropolitan Police Service, News International and Sky.
Through this program, both the companies and the UK government expects to gain insights into driver attitudes and usage patterns, which in turn will help them design their strategies for introducing plug-in hybrids and recharging technologies and shape public policy in this field.
EDF Energy’s charging infrastructure will record information about the expected benefits likely to be gained in energy savings and reduced emissions, recharging patterns and preferences.
Toyota plans to use the London program as a platform to introduce a plug-in hybrid vehicle to the market within the next few years.
