Mitsubishi or Subaru Hybrid by 2012

While talking about the concept PX-MiEV at the Tokyo Auto Show, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. President Ikuo Mori announced they are looking to bring a hybrid by 2012. They are also working with Toyota to build a 'zero-emission' electric vehicle with Toyota.

The PX-MiEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The electric motor is used primarily for propulsion, while the gas engine can turn a generator to power the electric motor as needed. In high speeds, the gas motor can also be used to provide additional power via a clutch in the transmission.

At lower speeds, the electric motors (one for each of the front and rear axles), provide the power via the lithium-ion battery pack. So, you can get all-wheel drive when both motors engage.

It's also a good preview of the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover.

The lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged overnight, or a high-voltage quick charge can bring you up to 80% power in 30 minutes.