According to the Nikkei, Toyota plans to begin mass production of a plug-in version of the best-selling Toyota Prius in 2012. By the end of 2009, 500 plug-in Toyotas will be released to consumers worldwide. A plug-in model will allow for better fuel economy over short distances because it can run on battery power for around 12 to 19 miles. The cost of such convenience would make the plug-in version considerably more expensive because of the high price of the battery technology required. Toyota will aim to price the plug-in Prius competitively in comparison to Mitsubishi’s upcoming all-electric fleet car (about $47,800). [Source: Reuters and EcoGeek]