PLUG-IN hybrids which can run on electric power only, as well as using petrol engine power for longer journeys, offer the best solution for future low emissions business cars, reports Headlinauto from the International Automotive Conference in Sunderland.

Graham Smith, managing director of Toyota Motor Europe, said that such hybrids would bridge the gap between now and the arrival of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle.

“But it will take time for consumers to adapt to the idea of driving a car that you can plug into a socket,” he warned.

Toyota will offer a hybrid version of every model in its range by the early 2020s, Mr Smith confirmed. The UK-built Toyota Auris will be available with petrol, diesel and hybrid power from the middle of this year, “and is a strong indication of where we are going,” he said.

Toyota believes that electric-only vehicles are only suitable for short journeys in city and suburban areas. “They will have a role to play but it is not a major one,” he said.

Nevertheless, Toyota continues to work on EVs (electric vehicles) following the development of ts first EV, based on the RAV4, in 1996.

One advantage of the research into alternative-powered vehicles is that the batteries, electric motors and software are common to hybrids, EVs and fuel cells, said Mr Smith.

Toyota will launch a 36-month trial of plug-in hybrids this summer in London using 20 vehicles. A similar trial commenced in France last year.

The advantage of plug-in hybrids is that for journeys under 10km they run on electric power only and are zero emission. For journeys under 25km – which represent 80% of trips – the vehicle will run in hybrid mode using the petrol engine, with CO2 emissions 60% less than the current Prius.

Next generation hybrids solve the problem of range anxiety