Toyota Canada is rolling out demonstrations across Canada of its Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV), which can plug into a standard 110-volt electrical outlet.
One such demonstration car was delivered for testing to Manitoba's Ministry of Innovation Energy and Mines. Other cars will be tested in B.C., Ontario and Quebec.
The PHV is the next step in hybrid technology: its primary fuel source is electricity, with gas combustion being used as a back-up fuel source.
"This project will help the province prepare for what a transition to electrically powered vehicles might mean for the grid," said Manitoba Hydro president and CEO Bob Brennan. "Manitoba has an existing plug-in infrastructure for block heaters and a population familiar with plugging vehicles in during cold weather. We also have a source of electricity to charge vehicles that is 98% renewable from clean hydroelectricity, which is important if electric vehicles are to have the maximum impact in reducing harmful greenhouse-gas emissions."
The cars are scheduled to roll out to the general public market in 2012.