Alongside France, Toyota is in discussion with three European countries about the deployment, including the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
The new PHV comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery, extending the vehicle’s range in electric vehicle mode for a silent, zero emissions drive.
The first wave of new PHVs will be deployed to Strasbourg, France, in late 2009, with other markets following suit by mid-2010.
A PHV can be charged during driving like a regular hybrid (through driving, deceleration or braking) or by attaching its plug to a standard electrical outlet either at home or at work. Compared to Toyota’s full hybrid Prius, a PHV is able to run more often in its petrol-free, electric-only mode, meaning lower running costs and less CO2, especially when renewable energy is used.
Toyota is preparing to deploy a total of over 500 new generation PHVs in Europe, Japan and the US by 2010.
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