A new hybrid vehicle Toyota hopes will be the the "ultimate eco car" is set for launch.
The car manufacturer claims the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept car includes revolutionary lithium-ion battery technology to ensure a more compact size and quick recharging.
Taking only around an hour-and-a-half to fully charge, the car can be rebooted using a domestic power supply or public charging point.
On a full charge, the Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 12.5 miles, six miles further than the current Prius model, at speeds up to 62 mph.
If travelling further distances, the car switches to a conventional petrol and electric mix and operates as a regular hybrid.
Eco car insurance policyholders concerned about their carbon footprint can be reassured that the model's design cuts emissions to less than 60 grams per kilogram.
An electronic screen on the dashboard provides a visual reminder of the car's contribution to eco driving as it shows a graphic image of a single tree gradually becoming a whole forest as the battery charging takes place.
Toyota predicts the Plug-in Hybrid will be available from early 2010, following completions of a test programme involving more than 500 cars leased to customers around the world for "real world" evaluation.
Meanwhile, those
eco car insurance customers who travel around Europe may be pleased to hear about a new deal promising to offer green cars across the continent.
Renault will supply rental firm Europcar with a new fleet of electric vehicles available to customers from 2011.
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