Toyota Motor Corporation is introducing the production-ready Ultra-Compact BEV (battery electric vehicle), one of its next generation of mobility solutions that offers greater mobility over a short distance while still being environmentally friendly.
As tiny as it is, the new Toyota Ultra-Compact BEV comes with big promise. In terms of packaging, the production-ready offering measures 98 inches (2,490 mm) in length, 50.8 inches (1,290 mm) in width, as well as 61 inches (1,550 mm) in height. This means that it is even more compact than a Smart ForTwo EQ. Such a petite stance, nonetheless, is very ideal for people who live or work in an urban environment.
Designed to accommodate up to two people, the Ultra-Compact BEV will be easy to move and even park in cities where space has become a hot commodity.
Akihiro Yanaka, Head of Development at Toyota, remarked that the Ultra-Compact BEV is a mobility solution that aims to support the aging society of Japan, while delivering freedom of movement to different kinds of people. He added that this new vehicle doesn’t just deliver greater autonomy, but also needs less space. With such tiny dimensions, the Ultra-Compact BEV is a promise fulfilled for the Japanese carmaker.
Aside from needing as little space as possible on the road and in parking areas, the Ultra-Compact BEV is a sound proposition for the environment. It emits no harmful emissions and is not as noisy as conventionally powered vehicles. It also boasts an extremely short turning radius.
As for how far you can drive the new Toyota Ultra-Compact BEV in single charge, the Japanese carmaker says it can be driven up to 62 miles (100 km) before a recharge. This range already meets the requirement for daily, short-distance trips. In addition, you can go as fast as 37.3 miles per hour (60 km/h). Charging the Ultra-Compact BEV takes around five hours to complete.
Toyota is planning to launch the new Ultra-Compact BEV in Japanese domestic market in the Winter of 2020. But before that, the Japanese carmaker plans to unveil the Ultra-Compact BEV at the FUTURE EXPO special exhibition of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show from October 24 to November 4.
The BEV will be displayed along with the Toyota Ultra-Compact BEV Concept Model for Business that was introduced in June. This new model can serve as a mobile office featuring three modes that allows its user to travel, work and even take a break during a ride. Toyota’s three Walking Area BEVs and i-Road creation will also be present at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The concept version of the next-gen Toyota 86 might be there as well.
(Via Toyota)