TOYOTA CITY: Toyota announced today a limited launch of the "C+pod" ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) to corporate users, local governments and other organisations that have been exploring new options to drive the popularisation of BEVs.
Toyota said it would promote the ecosystem essential for electric car adoption before a full-scale launch by 2022.
Today's launch was also to showcase new services that can only be provided by BEVs.
The C+pod is an environmentally-friendly two-seater BEV designed as a mobility option, with a cruising range of up to 150km.
Available in two grades, it is priced in Japan from 1.6 million yen (around RM65,000).
In addition to short-distance daily use, the C+pod is also aimed at corporate users visiting customers on a regular basis, and at users in urban or mountainous communities needing safe, unrestricted, and environmentally-friendly transportation options.
With a compact body measuring 2,490 x 1,290 x 1,550 mm (length x width x height), and a minimum turning radius of 3.9 m, the C+pod can comfortably navigate sharp corners on narrow roads, minimises steering wheel operation when parking, and provides excellent maneuverability in everyday driving.
The under-floor location of the lithium-ion battery in front of the seat creates a flat, low-floor package that minimises steps.
The motor is positioned in the rear of the vehicle, while the combination of a rigid, lightweight body and independent suspension system, that absorbs irregularities in the road surface, enable riding comfort and brisk yet stable driving performance.
To drive BEV take-up, Toyota is expanding its product lineup and forming open collaborations as it works to build new business models.
In Japan, it is focusing initially on the C+pod, Walking Area BEVs, and Toyota i-Road, with more than 200 corporate and local government partners involved in exploring new transportation models.
One of those services is Toyota Green Charge, a joint project developed with Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Co., Inc to offer a single point of contact for companies seeking support when building optimal charging facilities or developing electricity plans for BEVs, such as CO2-free power.
The service will be jointly implemented with Chubu Electric Power Miraiz, Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc.
Other services planned are the Electric-vehicle sharing service that combines tourist information with the "Toyota Share" car-sharing service to promote sightseeing and excursions.
