Toyota are to use next months Geneva Motor Show to showcase their new prototype electric vehicle.
Based on its existing iQ model, Toyota plans to test its new electric vehicle (EV) in Europe this year, with a view to releasing it on the market in 2012.
The iQ-based EV model is powered by a lithium-ion battery developed from Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The battery is flat and compact, designed to be housed beneath the floor of the car, and in doing so should not compromise cabin space or load capacity. The powertrain is fully electric, and Toyota claim that the battery can be charged to provide a range of 65 miles.
Toyota hope the model will demonstrate the adaptability of their Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to provide a range of solutions to the question of zero or low emissions short-range motoring.
After European road testing this year, Toyota have plans to release the model through a leasing programme sometime in 2012. The company have also announced plans to introduce the model to the USA, and to other markets once it has concluded feasibility studies.
The Geneva Motor Show will also see the debut of three other models from Toyota. The Japanese manufacturer will also be removing the covers from the Yaris HSD, Prius+ and the FT-86 Concept II.
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