Toyota launches five plug-in hybrid concepts for trial in Victoria
The Victorian Electric Vehicle Trial by Toyota has been launched in Melbourne earlier today. Five concept vehicles will be given to government and local businesses to test their effectiveness within the infrastructure.
Max Yasuda, Toyota Australia President and CEO, said about the launch,
"As a leader in the automotive industry and the development of low emissions vehicles, Toyota Australia is pleased to be giving Victorians the chance to drive the concept plug-in hybrid.
"The trial will allow Toyota Australia and the Victorian Government to gather real-world information on vehicle usage and driver experiences to better understand the opportunities and issues for electric vehicles in Victoria."
Mr Yasuda also said it is important for people to experience the benefits of hybrid vehicles, including plug-in types.
The concept cars in question us a conventional petrol engine along with an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries and can drive the car without the use of the petrol engine for up to 20km. If the electricity 'runs out' the car can continue to be driven like a normal petrol vehicle.
Toyota says the batteries can be recharged in around 100 minutes through an external power socket.
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