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Seat says it is targeting the eventual phase-out of the internal combustion engine in future Ecomotive models. (Photo courtesy of Seat)

MARTORELL, Spain — Saying it wants to eventually phase out the internal-combustion engine in future Ecomotive models, Seat is showing off a new gas/electric hybrid that it said could be produced by 2014.

The Seat Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive prototype underscores Seat\’s aim to develop a viable plug-in electric vehicle, according to Volkswagen\’s Spanish affiliate.

\”The initial aim is for Twin Drive-equipped Seats to run on electricity in urban areas, switching seamlessly to conventional petrol or diesel power for longer trips out of town,\” Seat said in a statement. \”So-called plug-in hybrid propulsion, as well as the eventual phasing out of the internal-combustion engine in future Ecomotive models, is also on the agenda for Seat.\”

The Spanish brand said it foresees a wide range of Ecomotive vehicles with \”exceptional fuel economy.\”

The prototype features an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. Seat said there has been \”extensive modification of the gearbox, brakes, heating and cooling systems [and the] vehicle\’s electronics.\”

The Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive appears to piggyback on technology introduced last summer by VW on its Golf Twin Drive, which featured an electric motor and a turbodiesel engine.