Toyota has introduced a Plug-in Prius hybrid car to Ireland as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Irish Government, aimed at analysing real world attitudes to Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV).
There will be three vehicles based in Ireland, which will be placed with a number of Irish and multi-national companies in order to test them under variable everyday driving conditions.
Toyota has signed an MoU with the ESB and will share information regarding the recharging infrastructure.
Minister Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commented:
"I am pleased that the Irish Government can add Toyota, the largest car maker in the world who are developing a wide range of sustainable technologies for the future, including PHV, to our growing list of car manufacturers who see Ireland as a world leader in electric vehicles.
"Today we sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Toyota which will see them deploy Prius Plug-In Hybrids to Ireland in advance of their global launch.
"Ireland has a range of state supports on offer for customers who wish to make the change to the electric car. Grants of up to €2,500 on plug-in hybrids will be in place next year and will also qualify for a €2,500 rebate on VRT. Coupled with ESB's roll out of the charging infrastructure nationwide we are helping people make the move to sustainable forms of transport."
For more on the Toyota Prius Plug-In you can read our review here.
Photo Caption:
(L-R): Padraig McManus, ESB Chief Executive, Minister Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and David Shannon, Managing Director, Toyota Ireland at the introduction of the new Plug-in Prius Hybrid Vehicles (PHV) to Ireland.