The Prius Plug-in is being run in a pilot scheme by Co-wheels car club, Southern and Lewes District Council.

Under the scheme, rail travellers holding the train operator’s “the key” smartcard are being offered discounted membership to the low emission car club, enabling them to use the Prius Plug-in at Lewes railway station in Sussex. An electric vehicle charging point has also been installed at the station.

The pilot, which is being run for three months, marks the first time the club has located a hybrid vehicle at a railway station and was formally launched last week (20th Sept) by Rail Minister Norman Baker, MP for Lewes. He said: ‘This is an excellent scheme that offers greener transport through the use of both low emission vehicles and car sharing. I am sure that projects like this and those that will inevitably follow will benefit local residents whilst preserving the wider natural environment.’

Stuart Ferma, manager Toyota Fleet Sales, said: ‘This initiative promises to demonstrate the key qualities of Prius Plug-in and Toyota’s world-leading hybrid technology. It’s a best-of-both-worlds solution that is kinder to the environment without demanding compromises from the motorist.’