An AP report out of Japan says that Toyota is planning to roll out a larger, Prius hybrid vehicle within the next year. The report references a story in the local Yomiuri newspaper that says Toyota is planning to release either a station wagon or small SUV that will use lithium-ion batteries.
Toyota is working with Panasonic to develop the batteries. The technology was originally expected to show up in the latest Prius sedan, but Toyota wasn't satisfied with the performance.
Earlier reports out of Japan said that Toyota is planning to release several models under the Prius name.
billt9 says:
02:59 PM, 11/13/09
a prius compact crossover would work well.
plus a prius midsized sedan, the 2 main US market segments.
rallyandbosox says:
09:29 AM, 11/14/09
So after all their investment into the factories and what not, is Toyota ditching the nickel hydride batteries for good?