Decongest the traffic of cities, improve the availability of parking lots and reduce carbon footprint. Are the three maxims on which the automation manufacturer Toyota has designed the Ft-me (Future Toyota Micro Electric), a prototype of Urban electric car Designed for micromobility in large European cities.
It is designed for novel drivers and as a second car for short journeys in city
The vehicle has been presented within the framework of Toyota’s annual annual event, and, as explained in a statement, its conception responds to philosophy “Mobility for all” of the brand. Through it, the Japanese company seeks to create products for All kinds of customers According to your needs. In this case, the FT-me prototype is directed “both novel drivers and those who want to have more maneuverability in city”, They point out.
It is a 100% electric two -seater car Designed for the big city, which combines premium design with accessibility. It measures only two and a half meters, which would allow it to park in a square occupying half of the space, and has a removable passenger seat to gain amplitude inside. In addition, its weight would classify it in Spain as light quadricycle (L6)being able to drive with an AM permission. “It offers accessible mobility to new drivers of even only 14 years in some markets”Says Toyota.
The FT-me offers a 360 grade visibilityS ideal to maneuver in the streets, and a minimalist exterior design that, according to the brand, is inspired by a pilot helmet. At the software level, it presents connectivity with smartphone and keyless input. And inside, prominence is taken by its Rectangula steering wheelR to which accompanies a very small picture of controls.
As for efficiency, the car incorporates a ceiling solar With which the main battery can be loaded by adding between 20 and 30 km of autonomy in urban environments, which on sunny days would avoid having to plug it in. The manufacturer has not revealed anything else about the recharge, although during his presentation he assured that he will have around 100 kilometers of autonomy and that will reach around 45 km/h of maximum speed.
For the announcement of the FT-ME, Toyota has preferred to focus on the design, with two videos in which the interaction of the vehicle with the environment is shown. The pieces emphasize the size of the model and connectivity.
The Arrival date to the FT-me market, even if it will finally do it. Although in the middle words QuattorouteStijn Peeters, Head of Mobility Projects and R&D of Toyota Motor Europe, explained that “There is a market for a vehicle like this, and that the company is capable of producing it on a large scale and low cost”
With this project, Toyota would introduce its first product in the Micromobility segment For Europe. And also, it covers an audience similar to that of the Toyota Aygo X Cross, but with an electrical approach and in a more urban environment. Its closest rivals would be models such as the Fiat Topolino or Citroën Ami.
Likewise, the FT-me is included in the efforts that the Japanese company is making for Innovate in mobility and boost sustainable alternatives. He recently announced the completion of the first construction phase of Woven City, the experimental city of Japan where engineers will be able to develop, try and validate innovative products and services.
