Tokyo - Toyota Motor Corp on Wednesday unveiled its plan to develop next-generation batteries for eco-cars. Toyota plans to set up a research team of 50 engineers late June and double the number of engineers for research and development of advanced batteries by 2010, which would "far outperform" existing lithium-ion batteries, the company said.
Japan's leading automaker also plans to introduce various types of eco-friendly cars, which would be powered by alternative energy including natural gas, biofuels, hydropower or solar energy.
It expects to launch plug-in hybrid cars with lithium-ion batteries by 2010, which would be marketed in Japan, the United States and Europe for large-lot users.
Drivers would be able to recharge their car batteries from a home electrical outlet, including household solar panels, Toyota said.
