Latest Cars News Blog: Toyota iQ-based FT-EV battery-electric concept headed for NAIAS

Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Toyota

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota FT-EV Concept

Media days for the Detroit Auto Show begin in the morning, but a steady flow of information continues to pour forth from the automakers... some of it through embargo leaks, and some of it by design. Falling into the latter category is word from Toyota that the automaker will show a battery electric concept vehicle dubbed FT-EV.

Based on the iQ urban runabout, the diminutive city car will take to the stage alongside the 2010 Prius and the Lexus HS250h. According to the Japanese automaker, a production urban vehicle based on the concept is in the cards by 2012, and as many as ten different gas-electrics will be available from the company by "early 2010s." In the meantime, Toyota plans to roll out some 500 plug-in Prius hatchbacks worldwide, with 150 of those earmarked for U.S. fleet clients. Lease-only deliveries of these lithium-ion vehicles will begin late this year. Hit the jump for Toyota's official press release.

UPDATE: Video added after the break. Official images added to the gallery.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Toyota FT-EV Concept