Pininfarina will unveil at the Paris Auto Show a plug-in electric concept car that previews a future four-seat small car that the company plans to sell under its own brand name in Europe, US and Japan starting in late 2010.

The concept car will feature Lithium Metal Polymer batteries. These batteries differ from lithium-ion batteries (like the ones planned for the Chevrolet Volt) because each battery cell is electronically protected by passive and active systems that constantly monitor operating efficiency, voltage and temperature of each element. The cells are encased in a steel container to prevent damage.

It has a 125 mile range on a full charge that takes about eight hours to load from a standard home electrical outlet. It can also run for 15 miles on a five-minute charge.

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