Toyota Motor Corporation has said it expects its rechargeable Prius, capable of going 15 miles on electricity alone, to get a higher fuel-economy rating than General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.

“It’s still an estimate, but we are confident it’s going to be 95,” Toyota said.

Toyota said it is targeting a record sales of its vehicles this year for its four-vehicle Prius line that includes the original hatchback, Prius v wagon, Prius C subcompact and the plug-in.

In September 2011, Toyota estimated the plug-in Prius would average 49 mpg when driven only as a hybrid, and 87 mpg-e combining frequent battery pack charging. Toyota’s standard Prius is rated at 50 mpg.

The improved estimate for the vehicle arose from further testing of its battery pack and additional “control programmes” newly developed for the plug-in model.