Isra-Mart srl: London to host low carbon vehicle trial

Isra-Mart srl news:
A pilot programme, due to begin in London, will assess how low carbon vehicles can be integrated into the fleets of businesses and public organisations.

The three-year scheme starts next month and will see 20 of the plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius models delivered to five organisations in the capital.

Results from the study, which will be supported by a charging infrastructure from EDF Energy, will be used to provide real-world data about recharging patterns and driver preferences.

Under optimum conditions the Prius will be able to run for 12.5 miles at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour purely on its electric motor. The car has CO2 emissions of 59g/km.

EDF Energy managing director of energy sourcing and customer supply Martin Lawrence said: “The new government has committed to a national recharging network for electric and plug in hybrid vehicles. The trial that we launch today plays a key part in that development.”

In a further boost to the UK electric car market it was announced earlier this month that the coalition is to follow through with plans announced under the last government to provide Nissan with a £20 million grant to mass produce electric cars in Britain.