Toyota's priciest vehicle surpasses the Century SUV in cost and accommodates seventeen passengers | Carscoops

      The fully electric e-Palette serves as a shuttle, mobile shop, food truck, sports lounge, or service center.

      

      ### 7 hours ago

      

      

      

       by Thanos Pappas

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      The Toyota e-Palette is an all-electric, autonomous-ready shuttle that is now available in Japan.

      Its interior accommodates 17 passengers with a centralized driving position and a customizable cabin layout.

      A 72.8 kWh battery provides a range of 160 miles and allows for rapid charging in just 40 minutes.

      

      Toyota has introduced an intriguing new product aimed at various mobility services. The Toyota e-Palette is a fully electric shuttle designed to integrate with autonomous driving technology and can also function as a mobile shop or service hub. After several years of concepts and prototypes, this unique EV has officially gone on sale in Japan, though its price tag might raise some eyebrows.

      

      

      ### From Concept To Reality

      The initiative began with the e-Palette concept, first unveiled at CES in 2018, and was followed by a redesigned version created for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Since then, Toyota has continuously refined the design, leading to the launch of the first commercially available e-Palette variant.

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      In terms of aesthetics, it keeps much of the original concept's design elements. Its symmetrical, box-like shape, small wheels, and large glass surfaces give it a distinctly shuttle-like appearance. The friendly front is characterized by round LED headlights, customizable digital signage, and a repositioned Toyota badge situated above the intake.

      For the production model, Toyota introduced larger side windows and narrow indicators on the windshield frame, while the back mirrors the front except for the red taillights and solid pillars.

      

      

      

      ### Toyota

      ### Accommodates Up To 17 Passengers

      In contrast to earlier prototypes that only had passenger seating, the production model of the e-Palette includes a central driving position with a yoke-style steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system. The cockpit houses a central digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display on the right, another touchscreen on the left, and a fourth monitor for monitoring the cabin. Essential functions are managed via physical buttons on dual control panels.

      

      

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      A low, adjustable floor, wide sliding doors, and a deployable ramp facilitate easy access, particularly for wheelchair users and parents with strollers. Inside, four fixed seats are positioned in the back, complemented by three side-hinged folding seats in the center. Toyota claims the cabin can accommodate a total of 17 individuals, including 12 standing, four seated, and the driver. It leans more towards being a party bus than a shuttle.

      Buyers can also choose a wheelchair lock system and a large overhead digital screen, reminiscent of public transit design. More significantly, the interior layout is customizable, allowing the EV to transform into an entertainment pod or a pop-up store. Toyota envisions it shuttling commuters in the morning, turning into a food truck at lunchtime, and then serving as a sports viewing pod in the evening while it charges.

      

      

      

      ### Autonomous-Ready Shuttle

      

      

      While previous prototypes featured full autonomy (with a safety operator), the production e-Palette is currently limited to Level 2 driver assistance. However, Toyota emphasizes that it is poised to support automated driving through optional third-party hardware and software upgrades known as the “Automated Driving Kit”.

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      The automaker is set to carry out automated driving demonstrations involving dealers and local authorities in Japan. Their objective is to roll out vehicles equipped with Level 4 autonomous systems by the fiscal year 2027, which concludes on March 30, 2028.

      ### Fully Electric With A 160-Mile Range

      The e-Palette measures 4,950 mm (194.9 in) in length, roughly comparable to a Land Cruiser Prado. However, it stands out in width and height, measuring 2,080 mm (81.9 in) wide and 2,650 mm (104.3 in) tall, imparting a boxier appearance than the truck-based SUV. It also has a substantial weight of 2,950 kg (6,504 lbs).

      Power is provided by a single electric motor that delivers 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 266 Nm (196.2 lb-ft) of torque, with a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). This marks a significant increase from the 20 km/h (12 mph) top speed of the Olympic Games prototype.

      

      

      

       A 72.82 kWh battery supports a range of up to 250 km (160 miles).