The Prius MPV, or micro-minivan compared to today's standards, that PriusChat first told you about last month will be named the Toyota Prius Alpha, debut in March 2011, and a seven-seat configuration will feature lithium-ion batteries. According to Motor Trend, who it looks like is pulling their information from a Japanese auto mag, the lithium-ion batteries will be 1/3 the weight of the nickel-metal pack used in the 3rd generation Prius.

A Prius Minivan is the unicorn of hybrids for many Prius fans, and according to the Nikkei, Toyota is planning on launching one next year using lithium-ion batteries. Nikkei, a Japanese daily newspaper, reports that Toyota aims to keep the price competitive and at a level similar to "those of current models" in the face of increased competition in the hybrid market.