Europe's first production Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivered to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
- In choosing the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, His Serene Highness demonstrates His commitment to make of the Principality of Monaco a leading country in terms of sustainable mobility in Europe
- Prius Plug-in Hybrid emits just 49 g/km of CO2
- 25-kilometre range in pure electric (EV) mode ensures zero CO2, NOx and particulate matter emissions, especially in city driving conditions such as in Monaco
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco today took delivery of the very first production Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid available in Europe for a two month loan. The new vehicle could soon replace the standard Prius currently used by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.
"We are proud to deliver our first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in Europe to His Serene Highness," said Didier Leroy, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. "We are honoured to continue our long standing partnership to contribute to the environmental and sustainability objectives defined by H.S.H. Prince Albert II."
In February, 2012, the Monegasque government introduced a new incentive scheme under the direction of His Serene Highness to encourage environmentally friendly vehicles in the Principality. The scheme allows for subsidies of 5,500 EUR for full hybrid vehicles emitting less than 60 g/km of CO2, while full electric vehicles can receive subsidies of up to 9,000 EUR.
Leading by example, His Serene Highness will now use the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid for private purposes, a vehicle delivering remarkably low CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km. Offering a considerable expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system's capabilities, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid incorporates a lithium-ion battery to offer an EV driving range of 25 km. Beyond the electric driving range, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid can be used as a conventional full hybrid with all the efficiency of a standard Prius. This unique combination enables the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to deliver a total driving range in excess of 1,200 km.
In just 90 minutes, the car can be fully recharged from a conventional plug. With an EV driving range of 25 km and a choice of 424 free charging stations in Monaco, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid can travel around the Principality using pure electric mode, generating zero CO2, NOx or particulate matter emissions.
As a recognised leader in full hybrid technology, with sales of over 4 million full hybrid units globally, Toyota welcomes the initiatives of His Serene Highness to promote the sales of environmentally friendly cars, helping the Principality become a world leader in sustainable mobility.