- Toyota has unveiled the FT-Me, a micro-car concept.
- The tiny EV seats two and is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph).
- It's envisioned as a mobility solution for teens or restricted urban areas.
Much as we love cars, we don't want them everywhere. And increasingly, major cities (at least in Europe) are reducing the amount of space given to automobiles. That's giving rise to a new class of not-quite cars that are ultra-small, battery-powered, and welcome in places where regular cars are not—and yet also able to drive with regular traffic on the street, provided the speed limit is relatedly low. The Citroën Ami is one such offering from a major automaker, and now Toyota appears to be testing the waters with the FT-Me concept.
Meet the Micro Yota
Less than 98 inches long, the FT-Me is smaller than a Smart ForTwo, yet it still seats two people. The passenger seat, however, is lightweight and removable to make space for bulky cargo, and Toyota claims the vehicle can fit a folded bicycle inside with the seat removed.
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The interior also features a rectangular steering wheel, and the driver's smartphone functions as the key and then plugs into the dash. The large glass area and clear sightlines are designed to eliminate the need for parking aids.
Toyota doesn't have much to say about the mechanicals except that an electric motor drives the front wheels, and solar panels on the roof can directly charge the battery. Top speed is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph), and Toyota figures the vehicle would need to provide a real-world range of 100 km (62 miles) at a minimum.
This class of vehicles (L6, in Europe) can be driven in low-emissions zones and, depending on the country, by younger drivers who can't be licensed for regular cars or by those who have only a scooter license. Stijn Peeters, head of new mobility for Toyota, is the chief engineer and says a vehicle like this isn't just for youngsters but also could be a second car for urban environments, adding, "We believe there's an opportunity to provide customers with something new."
