Toyota to Sell Electric Cars in Japan

07/24/96

Starting September 1, Toyota Motor Corporation will market electric cars in Japan. The company's first electric vehicle will be based on RAV4 sports-utility vehicle and powered by a nickel hydrogen battery. The car has a maximum speed of 125kph and runs 215km on one charge. The company will sell the cars through Toyota Corolla-affiliated dealers.

Company officials say that nickel hydrogen batteries perform better and longer than lead storage batteries. Starting in September Toyota will set up a new company to produce improved batteries with firms that include Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Production of the new batteries will begin in 1997.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel