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Toyota to introduce ultracompact EV in Japan for less than ¥1M
7 June 2012
Nikkei. Toyota Motor Corp. unit Toyota Auto Body Co. will introduce an ultracompact two-seater electric vehicle priced at less than ¥1 million (US$12,600). The new COMS EV is based on its COMS single-seater EV , which was sold from 2000 to 2011.
Japan’s Transport Ministry recently published guidelines for ultracompacts that can be driven on public roads. The ministry will create an approval system for such ultracompacts as early as summer.
Toyota Auto Body plans to install a seat and seatbelt in the cargo area, converting the COMS into a two-passenger vehicle allowed on public roads. It expects healthy demand for ultracompact EVs not only as daily-use cars for grocery shopping and other short trips, but also as an easy means of transportation for tourists.
June 7, 2012 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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It's a shame that US regs unfortunately don't seem to allow this sort of vehicle.
Sales of the similar pillion-passenger designed Twizy in Europe have been comparatively good, or at least not as bad as Renault's other electric vehicles.
The Toyota is a better way of getting this sort of vehicle, as the lease of the 4kwh battery pack is too expensive compared to buying it.
Posted by: Davemart | June 07, 2012 at 12:59 PM
Ultracompact city EVs would be a good solution in many existing cities with crowded narrow streets. Angled parking would be another useful solution. It will not sell in Texas!
Posted by: HarveyD | June 07, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Quaint idea.
Posted by: Reel$$ | June 08, 2012 at 05:09 AM
It's a shame that US regs unfortunately don't seem to allow bicycles.
Bicycles would be a good solution in many existing cities with crowded narrow streets.
Just like small cars, not trucks/SUVs - that's what people really want.
Posted by: ToppaTom | June 08, 2012 at 05:09 PM