Together with Desjardins, Canada's largest cooperative financial group, and EnerSys, a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, researchers from Laval University, in Quebec City, will conduct a trial program to study community acceptance and operating success of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Starting this spring, the multidisciplinary team will spearhead a technical, financial and market-based effort to bring the environmental and economic advantages of PHEVs to mainstream markets.
The vehicle used for this trial will be a Toyota Prius featuring a high-performance lithium-ion battery. The latter allows an additional range of over 70 kilometers. Plus, it can be charged simply by plugging the car into a regular 115-volt outlet.
The goals of this trial are clear: to evaluate the financial viability of advanced PHEVs, calculate the costs of installing recharge stations across the city and experiment various payment methods. The car's dynamics will be assessed with the intent of improving performance and output. The team will also look to make the battery charge process quicker by developing different types of supply stations and testing interconnection technologies.
photo:Toyota
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| 2008 Toyota Prius |
The vehicle used for this trial will be a Toyota Prius featuring a high-performance lithium-ion battery. The latter allows an additional range of over 70 kilometers. Plus, it can be charged simply by plugging the car into a regular 115-volt outlet.
The goals of this trial are clear: to evaluate the financial viability of advanced PHEVs, calculate the costs of installing recharge stations across the city and experiment various payment methods. The car's dynamics will be assessed with the intent of improving performance and output. The team will also look to make the battery charge process quicker by developing different types of supply stations and testing interconnection technologies.
photo:Toyota