Toyota will begin testing a newly developed hybrid boat — a leisure craft — in the Tokyo region next summer, with the total feasibility study period being from July 2018 until March 2021.

The trial of the 28ft craft — dubbed Ponam-28V — will be undertaken by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The new Ponam-28V hybrid boat features a 3-litre internal combustion engine (ICE) alongside a 36kW electric motor paired with an 11kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The ICE provides 256hp, while the electric motor provides 48hp and 258ft-lb of torque.

A spokesman said: “In addition to its use for the maintenance of piers and other facilities at the Port of Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will use the Ponam-28V for visits to Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues along the Tokyo Bay waterfront.

“Furthermore, cruising in electric-drive mode produces low emissions, high fuel efficiency and low noise levels.”