UCI researchers to study plug-in hybrid vehicles

UCI is one of two universities in the United States that will be working with a new Toyota plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, officials announced Wednesday.

University researchers will study how the vehicle, a modified Prius, could affect air quality and electricity demands in California.

Toyota is handing over the prototype vehicle to UCI on Friday at a ceremony in Torrance.

The vehicle is powered by a small internal-combustion engine, an electric motor and two battery packs.

The chargeable, increased battery capacity will increase electric-only driving on short drives, such as city driving, equaling fewer emissions.

The country’s only other testing site for Toyota’s hybrid electric vehicle is UC Berkeley.

— Joseph Serna