Latest news from Frankfurt

Toyota is unveiling its new Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Auris HSD Hybrid concepts at the Frankfurt Motor Show tomorrow.

The Prius, which emits just 60/km of C02, will be leased 500 customers for trials next year with 150 coming to Europe.

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Toyota Auris HSD

It uses lithium-ion batteries to power an electric motor and there's also a petrol engine to increase the car's overall range. In electric mode the Prius can travel up to 12.5 miles at 62mph after an hour and a half recharge. After the electric charge has run out the car is powered by the petrol engine.

The Prius Plug-in can be recharged from a conventional household electricity point or a public charging post and its powertrain is similar in format to the Hybrid Synergy Drive used in the new Prius, but with the nickel-metal hydride battery pack replaced by a new, high-output lithium-ion battery - a first for a Toyota hybrid vehicle.

The Auris concept also Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive and as a result it can to deliver sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.

It also features solar powered ventilation, with solar panels covering the entire roof. Similar technology is used inside the cabin, with solar panels on top of the dashboard that generate sufficient energy to recharge mobile phones or portable music players mounted in purpose-designed charging trays.

In the future, Toyota says it aims to advance this technology so solar powered energy can be used to recharge the hybrid battery.