#ScionIqEv

The 2013 Scion iQ EV just hit the U.S. albeit in very short supply, and is only being used for car sharing programs in urban environments.

Although Toyota rolled out its second all-electric vehicle today, the company is making it clear that EV technology is not on the forefront of its battle plans, which will focus more on conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids. 

The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf initiated a whole new movement in the auto industry. With the realization that an all-electric vehicle can be useful in everyday driving situations thanks to a large battery and more efficient fast charging technology, automakers are hopping on the electric vehicle bandwagon.

Toyota has been forthcoming with plans to test an iQ EV in Europe, but little has been revealed when it comes to the electric iQ’s North American release. Badged as a Scion, don’t get your hopes up about owning one.

Proof that Toyota is serious about launching its own electric car is the FT-EV III Concept, unveiled today at the Tokyo Motor Show. The third in a string of such concepts this will be the last, as the near-production vehicle shows. A telltale sign of the vehicle’s roadworthiness is an interior not unlike that of a production model, sporting design cues from other Toyota products, while adding unique EV touches.

Scion‘s new iQ mini-car hasn’t even made it to dealers, but already Toyota has announced plans for an electric version of the strange 3-seater.

The leader in hybrid technology, Toyota will make a big push into further electrifying its fleet when it begins retails sales of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, as well as two fully electric vehicles, next year. Toyota has confirmed that along with the Prius PHEV, it will begin selling an electric version of the RAV4 compact crossover, as well as a fully-electric version of the Scion iQ mini-car.