Toyota C+pod electric vehicle to popularise e-commute in Japan

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.