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EURELECTRIC AWARD 2008
 
Lars Josefsson - Videoclip
"Electrification of road transport is one of the last frontiers for
electricity and a key to reducing oil-dependency and cutting CO2 emissions,”
said EURELECTRIC President Lars Josefsson as he presented on 17 June the first
EURELECTRIC Award to Toyota for its work in the field of hybrid vehicle
technology. Presented at the EURELECTRIC 2008 Annual Conference in Barcelona,
the Award was conceived in order to honour the company or individual that has
made the most outstanding contribution to electricity and its use.
“Energy supply security and climate change are two major interlinked challenges
facing the world economy. EURELECTRIC believes that exploiting the synergies
between a low-carbon electricity mix and ‘intelligent electrification’ in key
sectors on the demand side can help to meet these challenges,” said Mr Josefsson.
“Toyota has triggered and accelerated the development of hybrid technology by
automobile manufacturers all over the world, highlighting the benefits of
driving in electric vehicle mode,” he added.
Toyota launched the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius, in
1997 and as of today has sold 1.5 million hybrid vehicles globally. Paul Bulteel,
the former Secretary-General of EURELECTRIC, who chaired the Award panel,
pointed out that “as a next step, Toyota is exploring the possibility of Plug-in
Hybrid Vehicles, or PHVs, which can be charged through an electricity supply
source at home. For short journeys, a PHV would rely on electric power rather
than gasoline, offering significant reductions in CO2 emissions and improved
fuel economy. By drawing part of their energy from the electricity grid, PHVs
will allow dramatic reductions in CO2 emissions and oil-dependency. Toyota is
engaged in partnership with a leading European electricity group to investigate
and prepare the introduction of the plug-in hybrid vehicle,” added Mr Bulteel.
 After Mr Bulteel had also paid tribute to all other worldwide pioneers of the
electric vehicle - researchers, manufacturers, electricity companies et al, Mr
Josefsson made a call on behalf of EURELECTRIC for Europe-wide cooperation to
define and implement the technical standards and infrastructure plus transparent
pricing and billing procedures “so that car users can enjoy all comfort and
confidence in plugging in to this exciting transport approach.”
Gerald Killmann - Videoclip
Accepting the Award on behalf of Toyota, Mr Gerald Killmann, General Manager
Powertrain Design, Toyota Motor Europe, said: “We are delighted that the
European Electricity Association has decided to honour Toyota with the
first-ever EURELECTRIC Award. By combining an electric motor with a petrol
engine, Toyota’s hybrid technology delivers on key points that matter to car
owners, such as lower vehicle emissions, exceptional fuel efficiency, seamless
acceleration, and quiet driving. This award truly recognises the importance that
hybrid technology plays in today's carbon conscious society.”
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