Toyota Motor Corp. announced it will launch a car-sharing program for residents at three condominiums in Tokyo and Nagoya next spring, using its iQ-base electric car and Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Toyota will allocate two of a total of six iQ-based electric cars and Prius Plug-in Hybrids in two condominiums in Tokyo and one in Nagoya — allowing their residents to book them by mobile phone or personal computer.
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.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is due to be released by early 2012 as a next-generation environment-friendly car.
The iQ-base electric vehicle will be capable of running 60 miles fully charged. Toyota plans to put the vehicle on the market also in 2012.
