At the same time, Takimoto revealed the Panasonic EV Energy Co. venture will begin building an initial batch of lithium-ion batteries next year, set to test quality consistency, with mass production commencing in 2010.
In the same press conference, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe announced the automaker is setting up a 50-person battery research department that will be charged with developing newer batteries that will outperform the lithium-ion design. The staff may be doubled in as little as two years, and the new design could be metal-air.
Other 'green' measures coming from Toyota will include the launch of 1.3- and 2.5-liter gas engines with stop-start technology to cut down on idling, which are due for release later this year. They may or may not be matched with an ultra-efficient and small six-speed manual, slated for a fall release. At the industrial level, Toyota vows to cut the carbon dioxide emissions its factories produce by 35 percent compared to 2001's levels by 2010.
