Andhra Pradesh government, on Thursday, signed an MoU with the automobile manufacturing giant Toyota to launch e-Vehicles in the state’s capital of Amaravati. Owing to the MoU, Toyota Kirloskar Motor will initiate its feasibility studies for the introduction of ‘Prius PHEV’ and ‘Small EV Commuter’ into the government’s ambitious capital.
Apart from Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister, Mr. Nara Lokesh and TKM Managing Director, Mr. Akito Tachibana, other eminent personalities from the state government were present at the signing ceremony.
Mr. Nara Lokesh shared the photos of the event on his Facebook page. The post read, “Taking a step forward in introducing Electric Vehicles in AP, signed an MoU with automobile giant Toyota to explore the feasibility of Toyota Prius PHEV and Small EV Commuter in the People’s Capital of #Amaravati. In a meeting, detailed about our plans to roll out an EV policy.”
Andhra Pradesh government is determined to make the state as a hub for electric vehicle ecosystem and is working on bringing in an effective electric vehicle (EV) policy.
The project will also serve towards Toyota’s Environment Challenge 2050 which aims at achieving zero CO2 emissions by the year 2050. The company, which has pioneered the production of electric vehicles, firmly believes that the repercussions of pollution can be greatly minimised by the use of electric vehicles.
Mr. Tachibana was quoted by India Today as saying, “We would like to acknowledge the proactive support and cooperation extended by Govt of Andhra Pradesh in executing the feasibility study on introduction of Toyota’s electrified vehicles “Prius PHEV” and “Small EV Commuter” into AP Govt.’s ambitious smart city project at Amaravathi. Toyota sincerely appreciates Government’s ambitions to reduce the pressing issue of pollution in the country through electrification of vehicles. As a responsible auto manufacturer, we believe that we have a bigger role to play in the nation by addressing the problems of safety, energy security, and emissions. Globally Toyota has been a leader in introducing alternate electric mobility solutions as HVs, PHVs, FCVs, to help reduce the Co2 emissions. Over 85 million tons of CO2 has been reduced by these electrified vehicles globally.We will continue our efforts to bring in the best technologies towards solving the national issues of rising pollution and fuel import with the right direction from Government.”