The solar panels mounted on the roof could add enough beach to cover your daily trip, without the need for a charger
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- Toyota has introduced an electric microcar concept that could soon reach production.
- The FT-ME could evolve into a Citroen Friend rival designed for urban use.
- The concept has solar panels which are added up to 30 km (19 miles) of reaching sunny days.
Toyota launched the FT-ME concept, communicating its intention to enter the micromobility segment. The Urban EV should evolve towards a production model, in competition with the tastes of the Citroen Friend, Fiat Topolino and mobilize heavy duo quadricycles.
According to Toyota, the FT -M concept combines “premium design with affordability”. The exterior design is inspired by a reaction helmet, with pronounced wings, tiny overhangs and LEDs mounted with high content. Thanks to the use of recycled materials, the automaker targets a 90% reduction in the carbon footprint compared to today’s urban vehicles.
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With a length of less than 2.5 m (98.4 inches), the FT-ME is greater than 1.2 m (47.2 inches) smaller than the Toyota Aygo X. In other words, it occupies half a standard parking space, or a third party when a perpendicular car park is available. The small imprint, high maneuverability and “360 degree visibility” of the FT -M make it ideal for urban use.
The cabin has a two -seater provision, although the passenger seat can be removed to transport larger items. The rectangular steering wheel is designed by thinking of users of wheelchairs and allows the vehicle to be “driven only by hand controls” without the need for pedals. The dashboard has a small screen serving as a group of digital instruments with advanced connectivity features.
Toyota
The solar load can cover your daily needs
The Light FT-ME consumes three times less energy per km from a typical EV with a high capacity battery. The beach is estimated at around 100 km (62 miles) between the loads, although it can be extended by 20 to 30 km (12-19 miles) thanks to the solar panels mounted on the roof.
Toyota claims that the additional range of the sun covers the expected daily use of the urban EV, removing the need to connect it to a charger, although it largely depends on weather conditions and how the car is driven.
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Although we do not have the specifications of the electrical powertrain, we can make certain assumptions depending on the regulations of the L6E segment. These require a limited top speed of 45 km / h (28 MPH) and would allow the smallest Toyota to be led by 14-year-olds on certain markets.
Will he reach the market?
The FT-ME could be presented as a concept, but it is clear to evolution for production. As Quattroruote reported, Stijn Peeters, head of Toyota’s new mobility division, said there is a market for a vehicle like this. And Toyota is able to produce it on a large scale at low cost. »»
A heavy quadricycle of Toyota could reach the market in the coming years, with a price of less than € 10,000 ($ 10,900). The model could be joined by other micromomability solutions, similar to those created for the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024.
