Toyota amps up its battery plans

Both NiMH and lithium?

Toyota is spending $192 million dollars on a new battery manufacturing plant to produce NiMH batteries for its hybrid vehicles. With a limited number of batteries already limiting Toyota hybrid production and the launch of the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive less than a year away, such a move seemed obvious. Unfortunately, however, this move won't help today's hybrid consumers whom are experiencing rising prices on hot hybrids like the Toyota Prius.

There are also rumors coming out of Japan that Toyota is also set to announce such a manufacturing plant for lithium-ion batteries as well. (AP via Yahoo)