lithium-ion battery

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Toyota expands the Prius family with new Prius+ http://bit.ly/A6YZEK The Toyota Prius advances from being a single, global model to become a family of full hybrid vehicles this year. In Europe the first stage of this development is the introduction of Prius+, the first full hybrid seven-seat vehicle to be sold in the region. Soon it will be joined by Prius Plug-in, a new version of the world's best-selling hybrid that promises even greater fuel efficiency and low emissions thanks to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These additions to the Toyota range, together with the recently launched Yaris Hybrid, Auris Hybrid and third-generation Prius, demonstrate the fundamental adaptability of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to work in different size vehicles. The steady increase in the number and variety of hybrid models will continue with 10 planned for introduction by 2015 and most of the European range to include hybrid derivatives by the early 2020s. Prius, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in will expand Prius's customer base and sales potential. Prius+ is designed for growing families who need the space and flexibility of a seven-seater, while Prius Plug-in, with CO2 emissions expected to be as low as 49g/km, will appeal to environmentally conscious early-adopters. Prius has enjoyed environmental and technical leadership for more than 10 years, garnering multiple awards and selling more than 2.6 million units worldwide. The latest model, launched in 2009, has accelerated its popularity with more than 1.27 million sales -- more than 24,000 of them in the UK. Since 1997 Toyota has sold more than four million full hybrid vehicles, helping give the company an unchallenged lead in the progress towards sustainable mobility. Together these vehicles have already contributed to an estimated reduction in automotive emissions of more than 25 million tonnes of CO2. Prius+ is available to order now, with customer deliveries commencing on 9 July. It is available in two grades, T4 and T Spirit, priced £26,195 and £29,495 on the road, respectively.