Toyota Tests Possible Future of Plug In Cars

Japanese manufacturer Toyota has said that it is currently testing plug-in cars on UK roads.

They have joined forces with power giant EDF Energy to test the practicalities of PHV’s, or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The electricity supplier was apparently keen to try out a fleet of electric vehicles for its own use. Not surprising as presumably if they were to have their own plug in fleet they would benefit from no fuel bills for running a large fleet of vehicles powered by their own energy.

The lucky group of EDF employees will get to test out the practicalities of the vehicles while trying them in actual conditions in their normal working day.

Toyota has modified their Prius model and added a regular UK electrical outlet to the vehicle, meaning that they can then be charged at any one of 40 charging points, which the company says are just the beginning of a plan to create a network of charging posts.

If the Toyota runs out of electrical power it can shift to petrol propulsion.

The company claims that the vehicle can travel up to 15 miles on a “full tank” of electric power, which they consider will equate to an overall saving of 60% on total fuel bills.

The UK is the only current testing ground for the new vehicle, but with a 15 mile range it is bound to have its critics, including General Motors boss Bob Lutz, who just last week chastised the vehicle, comparing it to GM’s Volt which will be capable of up to 60 miles on one electric charge.