Toyota and FAW Developing New Electric Vehicle

China is currently one of the most attractive markets for global carmakers and, although most are investing in the local auto sector, only a few actually have the guts to tackle the green car segment. Toyota and FAW are reportedly planning to do so in the near future as the two are currently developing a new electric vehicle to be sold in China under a FAW brand. Not much is known about the project, but China Car Times writes that it could arrive on the market in 2012.

It is believed that the car will be based on the Vios compact car that will enter production in China in the near future, but the electric powertrain will be provided by FAW's Tianjin.

Toyota also has an electric vehicle prepared for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March which will be equipped with a powertrain based on the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The company has developed a new lithium-ion battery pack for the iQ EV, a model that's likely to make its market debut as soon as 2012.

The electric motor in the new iQ is placed just below the floor, in the place of the fuel tank, thus allowing Toyota to provide the same trunk volume as in the case of the conventional gasoline-powered model.

The car will undergo heavy testing this year and could also arrive in the United States but only wearing Scion's badge. More details will likely be provided at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, so we'll keep you in touch.