Toyota continues to lead the silent race to efficient cars with plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid in 2010 that will use lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, Toyota has been working with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co to develop batteries that will outperform lithium-ion batteries for its plans to introduce hybrid versions of every single car in its lineup between 2020 and 2029. If that seems too far away, the next generation Prius, due next year, will use NiMH batteries. Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe told reporters in Tokyo that it's time to move past oil and get serious about electric power. "Our view is that oil production will peak in the near future. We need to develop power train(s) for alternative energy sources."

Our siblings over at AutoblogGreen discovered a little video hinting that a new three-wheeled, 70MPH electric car called the Triac is available... now. While we wait for the Aptera to hit the road, it seems Green Vehicles went ahead and made the Triac, tested it, and got it all sorts of market-ready. For those who don't know, the Triac is highway capable and will go 120 miles before needing a recharge. Video after the break.

Add Moletech to the growing list of companies trying to cash in on going green -- they claim their new Fuel Saver cuts down on emissions and improves fuel economy in all fossil fueled engines. After some preliminary testing the California Environment Engineering Center for Environmental Research seems to agree that the device does actually work, but until more rigorous assessments are made your, uh, mileage may vary. The "universal product" comes in eight models to fit any size vehicle from cars to scooters to boats, with prices ranging from $119 to $299 USD. If you install one in your Prius and start contributing back to the grid, be sure to let us know.

While we've seen everything from brilliant engineering to run-of-the-mill hacks enable vehicles to squeeze every last inch out of a tank of fuel, it looks like the Senate is taking larger strides in order to raise the MPG bar. The US Senate has reportedly passed an energy bill that would raise fuel efficiency standards to an average of 35 miles-per-gallon, create additional provisions that make it unlawful to charge "unconscionably excessive" prices for oil products, and establish new appliance and lighting efficiency standards to accelerate the use of more efficient lighting in public buildings. Lastly, there was purportedly verbiage that provided "grants, loan guarantees, and other assistance to promote research into fuel efficient vehicles." Of course, the bill still has quite a ways to go before it gets set in stone, and while upping the standard sure seems novel, a quick glance around existing lots will show that quite a few whips sold today aren't quite living up to the 22.7 mpg standard that's already in place.

[Via Digg, image courtesy of MPGStickers]