Subaru just announced the Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle, according to NextEnergyNews. The little box combines technology from a couple of prior Subaru projects, such as the electric system from the R1e, and the previous STELLA gas-powered car.

There aren't a lot of details available yet. But the report said that FHI (Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles) plans to use the Plug-in STELLA Concept in the development and test-marketing of next-generation electric vehicles in Japan in the near future. "FHI has jointly developed the Subaru R1e with Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (TEPCO), a leading utility in Japan, and the vehicle's performance has been tested since June 2006."