(December 7, 2010) NEW YORK — Toyota has announced that New York City will join the company’s U.S. Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle (PHV) demonstration program. 

Five new Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles (PHVs) will be used on city streets as part of Toyota’s partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
 
As part of the demonstration program, two Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles will be handed over to the NYCDOT and three to the Port Authority to be used in their fleets.  Aligning with New York City’s goal to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, Toyota’s Prius Plug-in Hybrid demonstration program will provide opportunities for both NYCDOT and the Port Authority to look into expanding the use of alternative fuel vehicles in municipal and business fleets.

Yoshi Inaba, president and COO
of Toyota Motor North America
(center), hands the keys to a
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid to
New York City Mayor Michael R.
Bloomberg (left) and Janette
Sadik-Khan,commissioner
of the New York City Department
of Transportation (right).

In preparation for commercial launch in 2012, more than 160 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles are being delivered to demonstration program partners across the U.S., as part of a global demonstration of more than 600 vehicles. 

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle can be fully charged in approximately three hours from a standard 110-volt electrical outlet, or in 90 minutes with a 220-volt connection.  A fully charged Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle is capable of running on electricity for approximately 13 miles at speeds of up to 62 mph.  For longer distances, the PHV reverts to its hybrid mode, operating as a regular Prius.
 
“New York City has one of the world’s most aggressive and comprehensive sustainability plans — PlaNYC, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030,” said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “Reaching our goal means having a more efficient vehicle fleet, and Toyota continues to be a great partner for City government, which has the world’s largest fleet of hybrid vehicles. I want to thank Toyota for making us a part of the Plug-in Hybrid vehicle program and generously providing these cars at no cost to the taxpayer.”