Sure, the big auto companies have been known to be a bit loose with their mileage statistics, but who wasn’t surprised the word came out that the next Toyota Prius will be capable of 94 miles per gallon. That’s more than double the mileage the best hybrid vehicles get now.

Apparently the new Prius’s electrical system will depend even more on the electric motor, using it by itself at slower speeds and only kicking in the normal internal combustion engine when higher speeds are required. And Toyota predicts better 0-to-60mph times too.

This may all be possible due to the next-generation lithium-ion batteries which outperform the currently-used nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries in every major category - they are lighter, smaller, longer lasting and able to produce more energy per pound.

The big question is, when will we see it on our roads?

Via Jalopnik via Auto Express.