Toyota Kirloskar Motor has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Andhra Pradesh to start a feasibility study aimed at introducing the Prius plug-in hybrid and a ‘small EV commuter’ in the state government’s ambitious smart city project at Amaravati.

The MoU was signed by cabinet minister Nara Lokesh, Information Technology, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development in Andhra Pradesh; K Vijayanand, principal secretary, IT & Communications Department, Andhra Pradesh; Tirumala Rao Chamalla, CEO, Electronics & IT Agency, and Akito Tachibana, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, on November 16.

Toyota says it is committed to the government of Andhra Pradesh for mutually working  towards solving the issue of pollution and ensuring smooth introduction of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles in the state. This, it says, is in line with Toyota’s Environment Challenge 2050 that aims to achieve zero CO2 emissions. 

The Toyota Prius is the first mass produced electrified car and rolled out 20 years ago. In 2017, Toyota’s cumulative sales of electrified vehicles reached 11 million units. The Japanese carmaker believes that the Prius plug-in hybrid is a realistic solution considering the charging infrastructure available in the country at present.

Nara Lokesh, said “Toyota is a global leader in electrified vehicles. We are delighted to sign a MOU with Toyota to explore the feasibility of introduction of the Prius  and small EV commuter. We look forward to this association to introduce Toyota’s electrified vehicles in the Smart City Project at Amaravati. We are confident this will help us in moving forward to realise our aim to establish a clean and green eco-system.”

TKM’s Akito Tachibana said: “We would like to acknowledge the proactive support and cooperation extended by the government of Andhra Pradesh in executing the feasibility study on introduction of Toyota’s electrified vehicles into the ambitious smart city project at Amaravathi. As a responsible auto manufacturer, we believe that we have a bigger role to play in the nation by addressing the problems of safety, energy security and emissions. Over 85 million tons of CO2 has been reduced by these electrified vehicles globally. We will continue our efforts to bring in the best technologies towards solving the national issues of rising pollution and fuel import with the right direction from the government.”