Toyota has confirmed that the commercialisation of the first plug-in hybrid on the European, North American and Japan market will be available from 2010. From next year, the batteries (lithium ion) will be made in a joint venture with Matsushita.

According to Reuters, the batteries can be recharged by plugging in to a normal household socket. The developments are not limited just to this however, as the Japanese giant has created a new research and development department that is studying other Li-ion solutions for the future autonomy of cars and household appliances.

From 2010 the manufacturer is counting on selling one million hybrids a year, thanks to the differentiation achieved: the next Prius is expected (which will offer for the first time some changes in bodywork and size), and the broadening of the range of other models’ engines.

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