Toyota Motor will significantly expand its production capacity of lithium batteries as early as 2014 with a view to using the cells in a redesigned Prius hybrid model line planned to be launched that year, sources familiar with the matter have said.
The automaker is considering making the batteries for around 100,000 vehicle units annually by enhancing the production line at its subsidiary, Primearth EV Energyin Kosai, Shizuoka Prefecture, aiming to halve the manufacturing costs of the cells through mass production, Kyodo News reported.
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The plan apparently reflects Toyota’s expectations that demands for plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric-powered cars will continue to grow.
