Toyota will augment its electrified model range over the next three years by bringing four new low-emissions models to the road: its advanced 'plug-in' version of the Prius, a hybrid version of the next Yaris supermini, and two pure EVs.
The 'plug-in' Prius will be Toyota's first lithium-ion powered hybrid, arriving in 2012. The firm today announced that it will return (2.6 litres per 100km) mpg and emit just 59g/km of CO2.
The car is not being marketed as a 'range extended' hybrid because, like the current Prius, it will be a parallel hybrid, not strictly an EV backed up by a generator. However, it will be capable of travelling 12 miles on electric power alone.
Read Autocar's first drive of the Toyota Prius plug-in
In the same year, a nickel-metal-hydride powered hybrid version of the next Yaris will come to market. It will be built in Valenciennes, France, on the same line as the regular Yaris, and is likely to use a smaller petrol engine than Toyota's current Prius, making it capable of around 80g/km.
Toyota is also working to commercialise two low-volume pure EVs for 2012. The first will be a battery powered version of the iQ city car capable of around 60mph max speed and 60 miles of range. The car will be built in Japan, and Toyota GB has yet to decide if it will be available in the UK.
Read more on the Toyota Yaris hybrid
Toyota's second EV is more likely to be made available in Britain: it's a RAV4 SUV built primarily for the US market, and powered by a Tesla lithium-ion battery. Toyota GB expect that it could be offered in the UK in 2013.
Hydrogen fuel cell models are still a farther off prospect for Toyota, but its latest estimate is that it will be ready to make one by 2015, provided the refuelling infrastructure is in place to support it.
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Re: Toyota confirms four eco cars
How Boring. I didnt even bother to read the whole article!