Toyota and CATARC to Start Plug-in Hybrid Tests in China
29 October 2010
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and the Chinese government-affiliated China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) have agreed agreement to conduct joint verification tests of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid"in Tianjin.
The goal of the verification tests, which are to start within this year, is to determine the adaptability and usefulness of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid in China. TMC will select drivers to evaluate the vehicle during use for commuting and other daily purposes, while CATARC and TMC will measure fuel efficiency, charging times, electric-vehicle driving range, etc., and will analyze and evaluate data collected.
As we move to distance cars from petroleum, we view electricity, which can be produced using any primary energy source, as exceptionally promising. Greater use of it is in lockstep with China’s electrification policy.
—TMC Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada
TMC has already started verification tests of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid in Rokkasho Village, Japan; Boulder City, United States; and the city of Strasbourg in France. The vehicle is scheduled for commercial launch at the start of 2012.
Considering recent China's stated intention to actively support ground vehicle electrification, this seems to be a wise decision from Toyota.
Can't wait for a Prius PHEV in
on the local market place. One of our Camrys has to be changed in 2011/2012 and we may have to go with a Prius III HEV.
Posted by: HarveyD | 29 October 2010 at 11:24 AM