Toyota NZ confirms Prius plug-in as electric target set

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a plan to have all its models offering some form of electric propulsion.

The early adopter of hybrid technology says every model in the Toyota and Lexus range around the world will be available as either a dedicated electrified model or as an option.

The company says that will include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell vehicles, and battery electric vehicles.

Ten new battery electric models will be developed by early in the next decade. Sales will start in China, before entering other markets – the gradual introduction to Japan, India, U.S. and Europe is expected.

“Toyota New Zealand welcomes the global commitment to making electric vehicles available across all models by 2025,” says Toyota New Zealand’s chief executive officer, Alistair Davis.

“As the world shifts towards a low carb on future, the automotive and transportation industries have a critical role to play.”

“The high proportion of renewable electricity in New Zealand means that the conversion of the national fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles will make a big contribution to the country’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions,” he notes.

Davis has previously indicated they were trying to seek supply of the new Prius plug-in model, and can now confirm this will arrive early next year.

“Toyota New Zealand has made a commitment to moving towards this sustainable future with the release of our new Prius PHV in the first quarter of 2018. This is particularly timely given the Government announcement’s today of the process to establish a Zero Carbon Act and a Climate Commission during 2018.”