Toyota plug-in hybrids and other glimpses into the future

From The Guardian, via Green Car Congress, we learn the direction Toyota is taking with its Prius and other hybrid models: better electric motors and the ability to plug into the wall. The better electric motor will be available in the next Prius model and will be able to go nine miles before the gasoline engine kicks in.
Toyota’s cars in the future will better for the safety of the passengers as well as the environment. The company’s engineers are adding high-tech safety equipment like infra-red sensors that can work to avoid accidents.
Toyota is a powerful force in not just green automobile technology, but the auto industry in general. The Guardian reminds us that Toyota is set to become the world’s largest car maker this year. 
[Source: The Guardian]