Toyota Plans Compact Hybrid, Broader Line for Prius

…Carmakers have been adding gasoline-electric vehicles and developing models that can recharge from household electrical outlets as governments push for higher fuel economy. Toyota says it also aims to offer more advanced vehicles to counter the potential for an oil shortage.

Lentz said consumer sales of a plug-in Prius hybrid, with 13 miles of range powered solely by a lithium-ion battery, and a new small electric car using only battery power, will begin with model year 2012. The company also aims to start sales of a separate electric model powered by hydrogen fuel cells in 2015, he said.

AP