Toyota FT-Me Concept
The European division of Toyota has presented the FT-Me concept car. It is a prototype of an ultra-compact electric car that could be operated in megacities. Among the distinctive features of the concept are solar panels on the roof, which can be used to cover daily energy needs free of charge.
Toyota FT-Me is designed for two passengers and is less than 2.5 meters long. According to the developers’ calculations, thus the electric car occupies only half of a standard parking space. The concept’s exterior design is inspired by a motorcycle helmet, and a new control concept allows you to ride the electric car without using pedals. It is claimed that due to this, the citycar can be used by people with disabilities. In addition, the technical characteristics of the FT-Me make its operation accessible to novice drivers aged 14 years and older, although Toyota does not go into details.
Among other advantages of the electric car are improved visibility, increased maneuverability and enhanced online services, including seamless integration with smartphones. Keyless access, in particular, is realized at the expense of the latter.
The powertrain is described as ultra-efficient, as it consumes three times less energy per kilometer driven than the average electric car. Solar panels will provide free accumulation of electricity for a mileage of 20 to 30 kilometers per day, which in theory covers the average daily needs.
The FT-Me might be presented as a concept, but there is a clear intention of evolving it for production. As reported by Quattroruote, Stijn Peeters, head of Toyota’s New Mobility division, said that “There is a market for a vehicle like this. And Toyota is able to produce it on a large scale at low costs.”
A heavy quadricycle by Toyota could reach the market sometime over the next few years, with a price tag of under €10,000 ($10,900). The model could be joined by other micromobility solutions, similar to the ones created for the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
