DETROIT (AP) -- Toyota is confirming plans to have an all-electric vehicle on U.S. roads by 2012 by introducing an ultra-compact battery-powered concept car at the North American International Auto Show.
Toyota calls the FT-EV an "urban dweller" with a range of 50 miles. There's no guarantee it will go into production in its current form, but it hints at the company's product strategies.
The FT-EV marks Toyota's deepest foray yet into non-gasoline vehicles. It comes as a challenge to competitors like General Motors and Chrysler, which are rushing to roll out alternatives to gasoline cars.
GM says it plans to have the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt in showrooms by 2010.