The manufacturer joins existing partners IBM, Toshiba, Cable & Wireless Worldwide, Silver Spring Networks, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), ITM Power and Southern Water in a project aimed at decarbonising the island and transferring its energy supply to renewable sources, making it self-sufficient by 2020.

Ten charging points are being installed across the island by by SSE and Chargemaster, supporting electric vehicle use. The Isle of Wight has also received £4.66m funding from the Technology Strategy Board for an ITM-led project to build a hydrogen energy production, storage and refueling system for fuel cell vehicles. This will also supply power to the island’s electrical grid.

Ecoislands founder and chief executive, David Green, said: ‘Due to its size and smaller road network The Isle of Wight is the ideal location for the widespread use of electric vehicles and the Prius Plug-in will provide us with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the usability and cost-effectiveness of this technology.’