Toyota has unveiled a new plug-in version of its hybrid Prius for the 2012 model year. Although the aftermarket has been offering conversion kits to allow it, and Toyota's competitors have come out with a variety of plug-in electric vehicles and hybrids, only now is Toyota producing a hybrid vehicle that can be recharged by plugging it in.

Almost since it was first released, Toyota has been working on numerous new versions of its iconic Prius, but it has taken until recently for any of these to reach the public. We've seen concepts for other Prius options, and Toyota is now bringing these to the market. In addition to the new plug-in version, there is also the original Prius, and the larger Prius v.  Also, Toyota will also be bringing out another version called the Prius c in 2012.

The plug-in Prius now uses lithium ion batteries, rather than the nickel metal-hydride batteries in earlier models. The 4.4 kWh battery will give the new Prius a range of 15 miles at 62 miles per hour (about 24 km at 100 kph) in electric-only drive*. The car "is expected to achieve a manufacturer-estimated 87 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in combined driving and 49 MPG in hybrid mode."

hat tip to: @JaymiHeimbuch

[* edited to clarify range is for electric drive]

Toyota and Ford are partnering together to build a new hybrid drivetrain for SUVs and light trucks.  The two automakers, who've both been developing hybrid drivetrains for cars and SUVs separately for years, are hoping to make better advances in this particular sector by pooling their resources, both monetarily and technology-wise.

A statement from Toyota said the company wanted to work with Ford because of their leadership in producing SUVs and trucks and the high demand for those vehicles in America.  Basically, American love their trucks, so there should be better hybrid versions on the market.

The timeline for this duo's drivetrain has only been limited to sometime later this decade, but the pair will each use the drivetrain in their own vehicles, not in any collaborative vehicles.  Seeing as SUV and truck hybrids have been the least efficient hybrids produced so far, the sector needs some great improvements, so it's good to see automakers working together toward this goal.

via Ford