Toyota to Show Production-Ready Ultra-Compact BEV at 2019 Tokyo Motor Show “FUTURE EXPO”

“We want to create a mobility solution that can support Japan’s ageing society and provide freedom of movement to people at all stages of life,” said Akihiro Yanaka, Head of Development. “With the Ultra-compact BEV, we are proud to offer customers a vehicle that not only allows for greater autonomy, but also requires less space, creates less noise and limits environmental impact.”

The ultra-compact, two-seater BEV is specifically designed to meet the daily mobility needs of customers who make regular, short-distance trips such as the elderly, newly licensed drivers, or business-people visiting local customers. It can be driven a range of approximately 100km on a single charge, reach a maximum speed of 60km/h, and features an extremely short turning radius.

Toyota is also pairing its planned 2020 launch of the Ultra-compact BEV with a new business model that aims to promote the wider adoption of battery electric vehicles in general. This includes examining every step of the battery’s life, from manufacture through sale, resale or re-use, and recycling to maximize its value. In the near term, Toyota will focus on expanded leasing initiatives designed to recapture used batteries for evaluation and re-use as appropriate in pre-owned vehicles, as service parts, or even in non-automobile applications. Toyota is also developing peripheral services for battery electric vehicles such as recharging stations and insurance.

In addition, Toyota is exploring applications for its compact, short-distance BEVs beyond individual mobility. For example, the ultra-compact BEV in particular is well-suited to meet the mobility needs of municipalities working to create safe, unrestricted, and environmentally-friendly transportation options in urban or mountainous communities. To date, Toyota is already engaged with approximately 100 corporate and government partners to explore new transportation models that would include BEVs such as the Ultra-compact BEV, and is in ongoing discussions with others. Current partners list here.

Toyota’s Ultra-compact BEV will be exhibited at the FUTURE EXPO special exhibition of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show from October 24 to November 4 along with the “Ultra-compact BEV Concept Model for Business”, previously introduced on June 7, 2019. In addition, ticketed Tokyo Motor Show attendees will be able to experience a range of Toyota’s ultra-compact BEV mobility solutions at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show OPEN ROAD exhibit. The Toyota i-ROAD and three different Walking Area BEVs will be available for test rides along the 1.5km long path connecting Aomi and Ariake.

Toyota’s BEVs: Types & Main Features

▽Ultra-compact BEV Concept Model for Business

· Designed for business applications that include repeated short-distance trips and parking, the Ultra-compact BEV Concept Model for Business serves as a “mobile office” with three modes to support traveling, working and taking breaks using the vehicle.

▽Walking Area BEV Standing Type

· The Walking Area BEV Standing Type can be used for patrolling, conducting security checks or carrying heavy equipment around large facilities such as airports or factories.

▽Walking Area BEV Seated Type

· The Walking Area BEV Seated Type provides mobility for people who are handling large amounts of luggage, or who may have difficulty walking.

▽Walking Area BEV Wheelchair-linked Type

· The Walking Area BEV Wheelchair-linked Type connects to manual wheelchairs by providing motorized power to them for use at large facilities and tourist locations.

▽Toyota i-ROAD

· The Toyota i-ROAD is a short-distance mobility solution that combines the size of a motorcycle with improved stability to support last-mile urban commuting or tourism.

 

Specifications (based on internal measurements)

Name	Ultra-compact BEV	Ultra-compact BEV business concept	Walking area BEV standing type	Walking area BEV seated type	Walking area BEV wheelchair-linked type	Toyota i-ROAD
Release	2020 winter	–	2020 winter	2021	2021	―
Capacity	2 people	1	1	1	1	1/2
Length	2,490mm	2,490mm	700mm	1,180mm	540mm	2,345mm
Width	1,290mm	1,290mm	450mm	630mm	630mm	870mm
Height	1,550mm	1,550mm	1,200mm	1,090mm	1,090mm	1,455mm
Max speed	60km/h	60km/h	2, 4, 6, 10km/h (switchable)	2, 4, 6km/h (switchable)	2, 4, 6km/h (switchable)	60km/h
Range on single charge	100km	100km	14km	10km	20km	50km
Charging time	Approx. 5hours (200V)	Approx. 5hours (200V)	Approx.. 2.5 hrs (replaceable battery)	Approx.. 2 hrs (replaceable battery)	Approx. 2.5 hrs (replaceable battery)	Approx. 3hours