Toyota using Tesla-like Panasonic batteries in some of its PHEVs

Toyota has started using the same type of battery that Panasonic Corp designed for Tesla in some of its plug-in hybrids sold in China, sources familiar with the matter said. Toyota is using Panasonic's cylindrical batteries in its new Corolla and Levin plug-in hybrid sedans launched in China this year, one of the people said. The batteries are the same size as those that Panasonic makes for Tesla, but the composition is different, said the sources, who declined to be identified as the matter is private.