- Toyota’s intriguing concept car is only 8 feet in length
- In some countries, those as young as 14 can lead it
- Its solar roof generates around 20 miles of range per day
Toyota unveiled a selection of new models during an exclusive event in Brussels this week, covering everything, from road cars inspired by motorsport to WATS powered by battery. But look a little louder and you will spy on the diminutive silhouette of the concept of micro-mobility FT-ME.
Measuring only 2.5 m in length (about 8 feet), it is slightly larger than the Citroen Friend, which has stormed Europe thanks to the small imprint with low cost and with small imprint it offers for those who live in animated urban areas.
Thanks to its tiny size, the concept of Toyota occupies only half a standard parking lot and, in some cases, it can park “nose” at the sidewalk, taking the same type of space as some motorcycles.
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According to the Japanese brand, the style is inspired by a reaction helmet and the interior has been wrapped for a maximum space. There is room there for two adults, but it can also swallow a wheelchair, with removed wheels and longer flat furniture furniture thanks to a folding passenger seat.
The roof of the solar panel is perhaps more interesting, which, according to Toyota, can add 20 to 30 km (13 to 18 miles) of a day, even in cloudy urban environments. This is enough to cover the most common movements, without the need to connect it.
There is no technical specification on the official range or the size of the battery, but the fact that its manufacturer claims that it can be motivated by 14 -year -olds on certain markets suggests that it would fall under the quadricycle category, which means that it will be limited to 28 MPH, will offer less than 6 kW of power and weigh less than 450 kg.
A young movement
Deactivating all kinds of flashy infotainment displays, the FT-ME is designed for the generation of smartphones, linking transparently with mobile devices and smartphone applications, which can also act as a digital key.
Beyond that, Toyota has designed the vehicle so that it can only be trained with hand-off controls, not just standard accelerator and brake pedals. This means that it can be used by users of wheelchairs without the need for modification.
In addition to the fact that he does not need a complete license to drive, Electrifier.com reports that he will have to compete with Netflix and Mobile Phone subscriptions in terms of monthly cost if he wants to succeed.
This suggests that it could cost as little as £ 30 /40 $ / 60 to $ per month to rent, offering a low cost and hassle means of keeping the young mobile generation.
