Toyota UK has provided a Prius Plug-in for a new transport initiative giving rail travelers access to a low emissions car club vehicle for the next leg of their journey.
The scheme gives holders of train operator Southern’s new smartcard – the key – access to the Prius Plug-in at Lewes railway station in Sussex. The car is operated by the Co-wheels car club, and makes use of a new electric vehicle charging point installed at the station.
Key holders are being offered discounted club membership, enabling them to use their smartcard to open up the Prius Plug-in and drive off. It is the first time the club has located a hybrid vehicle at a railway station and the project will run as a three-month trial.
Using a Prius Plug-in will help travelers reduce their carbon footprint; for those making local onward journeys from Lewes, Prius Plug-in has the potential to run entirely on its electric charge, with zero tailpipe emissions and zero fuel consumption. Anyone making a longer trip needn’t worry about running out of charge, as the Toyota will automatically switch to its hybrid system’s petrol engine as soon as electric power runs low.
The project has been set up by Southern, Co-wheels, electric charge point provider Elektromotive, Lewes District Council and EV charge station network developer eV South East Network.
