Toyota and EDF Energy have launched a three-year leasing programme that brings ultra-low emissions plug-in hybrid vehicle technology to the streets of London.

The first Toyota Prius Plug-in to reach the UK are joining the vehicle fleets of five businesses and public organisations, where they will demonstrate the fuel efficiency, low emissions, cost savings and everyday practicality.

The organisations and businesses taking part in the programme are Transport for London, the Government Car and Despatch Agency, the Metropolitan Police Service, News International and Sky.

Miguel Fonseca, managing director Toyota (GB) PLC, said: “I am delighted to be joining with EDF Energy to launch the UK’s largest plug-in hybrid programme, a project that will deliver valuable insights into the behaviour and preferences of UK drivers as they engage with the technology for the first time and experience it in their everyday driving routines.

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.”

EDF Energy managing director of ESCS Martin Lawrence said: “I am delighted that EDF Energy, the UK’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity, can play such an important role in the research and demonstration of these new vehicles. And I’m proud to collaborate with Toyota on this project as it builds on the success of the first plug-in hybrid vehicle trial which began a year ago.

“The new Government has committed to a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The demonstration that we launch today plays a key part in that development. 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.

“Sustainability is at the core of our business and it is work like this that helps EDF Energy meet the climate change targets set out in our new Sustainability Commitments.”

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

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