This is the perfect four-wheeler to social distancing.
Toyota showed a small electric vehicle at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. It’s expected to be available sometime in 2019. The minute concept vehicle was not yet named, but it did have the name “Ultra-Compact BEV” and the launch date was set to late 2020.
The Japanese automaker is on the right track when it unveils the Toyota C + pod – The production version of the Previous Ultra-Compact BEV Concept . This model is perfect for urban and community applications.
The Toyota C +pod measures 2490 millimeters (98 in) long, 1290 mm (50.8in) wide and 1550 mm (6 in). It is larger than the iROAD and shorter than the SmartForTwo EQ. This EV’s exterior panels are made from plastic, which helps reduce its weight to 1,521 pounds (690 kg).
The C +pod, unlike the Toyota i-ROAD which is essentially a motorcycle on three wheels, can transport two people. This vehicle is ideal for social distancing, as it can carry a passenger along with a few bags or other items.
The C +pod, like the iROAD is powered by an electrical motor. It draws power from a 9.06 kWh lithium-ion battery. Although the small EV can travel up to 93 miles (150 km) on a single charge, it is not expected to reach that distance in the shortest possible time. The electric motor only produces 12.3 horsepower (9.2 Kilowatts) as well as 41.3 pound-feet (556 Newton-meters), of torque to the rear wheels. It has a top speed at 37 mph (60 km/h).
The Toyota C +pod, which is currently on sale in Japan, has a starting price at 1,650,000 Japanese Yuan or approximately $16,000 depending on current exchange rates. Toyota did not disclose the availability of its product globally.