Toyota FT-Me Concept Showcases Urban EV Under 2.5 Meters | Carscoops

      The solar panels mounted on the roof may provide sufficient range for your daily travel needs, eliminating the necessity for a charger.

      Toyota has revealed an electric microcar concept that may soon go into production.

      The FT-Me has the potential to compete with the Citroen Ami, targeting urban environments.

      This concept features solar panels that can contribute up to 30 km (19 miles) of additional range on sunny days.

      Toyota has unveiled the FT-Me Concept, signaling its entry into the micromobility market. This urban electric vehicle is anticipated to transition into a production version, competing with models such as the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Mobilize Duo heavy quadricycles.

      According to Toyota, the FT-Me concept merges “premium design with affordability.” Inspired by a jet helmet, its exterior design includes pronounced fenders, minimal overhangs, and high-mounted LED lights. The use of recycled materials aims to achieve a 90% reduction in carbon footprint in comparison to current urban vehicles.

      Measuring less than 2.5 m (98.4 inches), the FT-Me is more than 1.2 m (47.2 inches) shorter than the Toyota Aygo X. This compact size allows it to occupy half of a conventional parking space, or one third when parked perpendicularly. Its small dimensions, exceptional maneuverability, and “360-degree visibility” make the FT-Me perfect for city driving.

      The interior has a two-seater configuration, with the option to remove the passenger seat to accommodate larger items. The rectangular steering wheel is designed with wheelchair users in mind, enabling operation solely through hand commands without pedals. The dashboard features a small screen that acts as a digital instrument cluster with advanced connectivity features.

      The lightweight FT-Me is said to consume three times less energy per kilometer than a standard EV with a large battery. Its range is estimated at about 100 km (62 miles) on a full charge, which can be boosted by an additional 20-30 km (12-19 miles) through the roof-mounted solar panels.

      Toyota asserts that this additional range from solar energy will cover the typical daily demands of the urban EV, reducing the need for charging, although results will largely vary based on driving habits and weather conditions.

      While specific details about the electric powertrain are not available, we can infer some characteristics based on L6e segment regulations, which limit the maximum speed to 45 km/h (28 mph) and allow the smallest Toyota to be driven by individuals as young as 14 in certain regions.

      Although the FT-Me is currently a concept, there is a strong intention to advance it to production. Stijn Peeters, head of Toyota’s New Mobility division, mentioned to Quattroruote, “There is a market for a vehicle like this. And Toyota is capable of producing it on a large scale at low costs.”

      A heavy quadricycle from Toyota could hit the market in the coming years, with a price expected to be below €10,000 ($10,900). This model may be accompanied by other micromobility solutions, similar to those developed for the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.