Victorian Drivers First To Trial Toyota Plug-in Hybrid Concept Vehicle

Victorian Drivers First to Trial Toyota Plug-In Hybrid Concept Vehicle

Victorian drivers will be the first in Australia to try out Toyota's plug-in hybrid concept vehicle during the Victorian Electric Vehicle Trial, which was launched in Melbourne today.

The plug-in hybrid concept vehicle is equipped with lithium-ion batteries and can be charged in approximately 100 minutes using an external power outlet. When fully charged, it has an electric range of approximately 20km. At other times the vehicle functions as a conventional petrol-electric hybrid vehicle.

"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," Toyota Australia President and CEO Max Yasuda said.

"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 said the plug-in hybrid concept vehicle was the latest example of Toyota's leadership in hybrid technology.

"To encourage Australians to adopt vehicles and technologies that have less impact on the environment Toyota Australia has focused on improving traditional petrol powered engines and introduced hybrid technology to ensure our vehicle line-up is the most fuel efficient available," he said.

"Hybrids were first introduced to Australia in 2001 and today there are more than 20,000 Prius and Hybrid Camry vehicles on the road in Australia.

"With sales of hybrids set to grow as people learn more about them - and other car companies start producing them - we believe it is important for people to experience the benefits of Toyota's hybrid vehicles, including the all new plug-in hybrid concept vehicle," said Mr Yasuda.

Toyota Australia has been allocated five plug-in hybrid concept vehicles from Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. The remaining four will be shared with local partners including government and business.

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Laura Hill
Media and Communications Manager
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SOURCE: Toyota Australia