Toyota Kingdom

Toyota has been testing out plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in France since September 2007. The motor company is expanding these tests to the streets of London with the help of UK-based EDF Energy. EDF Energy has begun installing 40 plug-in stations in several test cities to accommodate a small fleet of Toyota Prius PHEVs. The utility company has found volunteers within its own ranks to test out the fuel efficiency of the Prius prototypes. EDF Energy and Toyota sent out the first PHEV on September 10, 2008 with plans to run the trials through the end of 2009.

Toyota is testing out the viability of a Prius PHEV in heavily traveled areas like London for two reasons. The company’s researchers will look at the driving behaviors of test drivers to determine if PHEVs are effective during the average commute. Toyota and EDF Energy are also interested in the infrastructure demands associated with a massive PHEV rollout.