Toyota to offer 21 hybrids by 2016, cuts back sharply on its electric-car plans

Toyota, who has teamed up with Tesla Motors to produce the all-electric RAV4 EV (pictured above), has unveiled plans to launch 21 hybrids by 2016 while cutting back on its all-electric vehicle program.

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According to Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota’s executive vice president for research and development, Toyota still plans to launch the RAV4 EV but has planned to cut the proposed launch of the eQ or iQ EV.

Toyota, which is the global leader when it comes to hybrids, has been very cautious of the electric-car market due to the limited range nature of the vehicles.

“The statement by Uchiyamada reflects that we need to dial back from our previous plans,” said John Hanson, a U.S.-based spokesman for Toyota. “We really do need to assess the EV market.”

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News