6 Mar, 2013
Toyota Launches ‘Toyota i-Road’ Personal Mobility Concept at Geneva Motor Show
Toyota City, Japan, Mar 4, 2013 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has unveiled the “Toyota i-Road” personal mobility concept at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show(1) now under way in Geneva until March 17. The concept, a three-wheeler with motorcycle-like maneuverability, is ideally suited for short-distance urban travel and was designed to be a new way to enjoy mobility.
The Toyota i-Road is an ultra-compact, tandem two-seater electric vehicle developed under the theme of compact and refreshing mobility. While offering an enjoyable and novel riding experience with the same level of convenience as a motorcycle, the Toyota i-Road represents a way of overcoming various obstacles, such as congested city roads, lack of parking, and other commuting issues, in the path of the development of low-carbon and sustainable urban areas.
The ultra-compact body not only offers excellent maneuverability, but also minimizes space needed for parking. The adoption of a newly developed, automatic active-lean system provides great response and an exhilarating driving experience. The Toyota i-Road features a closed cabin so that passengers can proceed helmet-free to their destination in comfort, shielded from the weather in all seasons.
TMC will continue research and development toward the practical adoption of the Toyota i-Road as the first in a new category of electric vehicles.
Main Features
I. Ultra-compact with outstanding maneuverability
With a length of 850 millimeters, the Toyota i-Road has outstanding maneuverability and can be driven smoothly along roadsides, leaving road lanes open for other traffic. In addition, the Toyota i-Road’s small size allows it to occupy only three-quarters to one-half of a conventional parking space, boosting efficient use of parking areas.
II. Convenient, fun and exhilarating
A newly developed active lean system optimally and automatically controls vehicle body angle, ensuring stable ride and providing an unprecedented feeling of oneness with the vehicle significantly different from driving a car or motorcycle.
III. High-comfort enclosed cabin
Unlike similar vehicle concepts, the Toyota i-Road is equipped with a roof and doors so that the cabin is shielded from the weather to ensure comfort and from road noise to allow occupants to enjoy music. The enclosed cabin is equipped with two single seats positioned in tandem.
IV. Environment-friendly electric vehicle (EV)
As the Toyota i-Road is powered by an electric powertrain, it features a quiet ride and produces zero emissions during operation. Driving range on a single charge is approximately 50 kilometers(2).
Main Specifications are available at http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/13/03/0304.html.
(1) Officially known as the 83e Salon International De L’Auto & Accessories Geneve. Press days: March 5 and 6; public days: March 7 to 17.
(2) Target distance when traveling at a fixed speed of 30km/h
Loading ...
Liked this article? Share it!