Toyota
Motor Corporation (Toyota) has announced a limited launch of the C+pod
ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (BEV), from December 25, to corporate
users, local governments and other organisations in Japan that have been
exploring new options to drive the popularisation of BEVs.
Toyota
plans to further promote the establishment of systems for popularising BEVs,
including development of new business models, and to conduct a full-scale launch
including to individual customers by 2022.
The
new C+pod is an environmentally-friendly two-seater BEV designed as a mobility
option that improves per-person energy efficiency. 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.
To
drive further popularisation of BEVs, 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 currently
involved in exploring new transportation models. As one of these collaborative
efforts, the launch of the C+pod will also demonstrate new services specific to
BEVs. 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 corporations seeking support when constructing optimal charging facilities
or developing electricity plans for BEVs, such as CO2-free power.
The
service will be jointly implemented in collaboration with Chubu Electric Power
Miraiz, Kansai Electric
Power
Co Inc. and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc. Other services in planning include the
Electric-vehicle sharing service that combines tourist information with the
"Toyota Share" car-sharing service to promote sightseeing and
excursions.
Toyota
plans to price this rear wheel drive vehicle powered by lithium ion at Japanese
yen 1,650,000 which is approximately Rs 11.67 lakh.
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 comfortably navigates 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
minimizes 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, achieves high quality riding comfort and
brisk yet stable driving performance.
The
C+pod comes with a cruising range of up to 150 km (WLTC mode, Class 1 test
cycle1 when running on battery power. The C+pod supports standard charging,
which makes charging easy whether at home or outside of the home. The supplied
charging cable (100/200 VAC) connects directly to power outlets for charging.
The
C+pod includes an external power supply system of up to 1,500 W (100 VAC) as
standard for use during power outages and natural disasters. In addition to use
through the accessory power outlet near the passenger's feet, the optional
vehicle power connector can be plugged into the standard charging inlet at the
front of the vehicle for use as an external power supply socket, which can
supply power for up to about 10 hours.
The
C+pod comes with a fully blacked-out cabin, incorporating LED headlights and
LED rear combination taillights to create a distinctive picture of concentrated
features and unique BEV design. With the charging inlet/power supply outlet
located between the headlights, easy daily use was a particular focus.
Exterior panels are made of plastic to help
reduce weight. Paired with the black of the cabin, five different two-tone body
color6 schemes are available, including with a vivid Cyan Metallic and an active,
deep Orange Metallic. There are also three different three-tone color6 options
available that combine blacked-out body with the black cabin.
With an interior cabin width of 1,100 mm, the
interior provides a simple space for two adults to sit side-by-side. Positioned
above a white center tray, the instrument panel features meters and other functional
equipment. The contrast with the black tones of the interior creates a feeling
of size that exceeds its actual dimensions. Switches are also consolidated in
the center panel to achieve people friendly operability.
The
vehicle uses a structure that efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy
across multiple components, and ensures safety in the event of frontal, side or
rear impacts. It also mitigates any impact
on
pedestrians in a collision with a vehicle body structure that reduces
pedestrian injury. A Pre-collision Safety System is included as standard to
detect other vehicles (day and night), pedestrians (day and night), and
cyclists (day). An Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes
(Stationary Objects) is also included to help avoid collisions, or mitigate
damage, with walls and other obstacles during low-speed operation. Altogether,
the vehicle has a full range of equipment to support safe driving every day.