https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51uRN8tgvjA
You want to try it out, right? This is the Toyota i-Road, a new personal mobility vehicle (PMV) concept, and it’s set to debut at the Geneva motor show next week.
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Toyota i-Road details
Designed for city streets, the battery-powered i-Road provides covered tandem-style seating for two people and can travel up to 30 miles (50km) on a single charge. Using ‘Active Lean’ technology, it is safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet.
The three-wheel i-Road measures 2,350mm long and 1,445mm high and has a 1,700mm wheelbase. It’s most significant dimension, though, is its width: at only 850mm, it is no wider than a conventional motorcycle.
Not only does this make for easy manoeuvring through traffic, it also means four can be parked in one parking bay.
The zero-emissions, all-electric powertrain uses a lithium-ion battery to power two 2kW motors mounted in the front wheels, giving brisk acceleration and near-silent running. Driving range is around 30 miles, after which the battery can be fully recharged from a conventional domestic power supply in three hours.
See also:
Looking into the future with Toyota’s concept cars
Active Lean technology
Toyota’s Active Lean technology is the key to i-Road’s stability, safety and its fun-to-drive character. The system uses a lean actuator and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the left and right front tyres. An ECU calculates the required degree of lean based on steering angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information, with the system automatically moving the tyres up and down in opposite directions, applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering.
The system also operates when the vehicle is being driven in a straight line over stepped surfaces, the actuator automatically compensating for changes in the road to keep the body level. The minimum turning circle is just three metres.
No special skills are needed to pilot i-Road; the Active Lean system offers a unique driving experience with the enjoyment of riding a two-wheeler, but with no need for the driver to stabilise the vehicle when manoeuvring at low speed, or when stationary.
The perfect city slicker
As the driver doesn’t have to put his or her feet on the road surface at any time, i-Road can be fitted with a safer, weatherproof, closed body and so can be driven without wearing a helmet. This design also allows for a more car-like environment on board, with the potential for features such as lighting, heating, audio and Bluetooth to be provided.
Toyota envisages its i-Road concept has the potential to play a significant role in reducing urban traffic congestion and air pollution. Commuters can use public transport or conventional private vehicles to travel to urban perimeter transportation hubs where they will transfer to an i-Road to complete their journeys into the city centre.
The compact size, manoeuvrability, easy parking, rapid charging and choice of an open or closed cabin make it an ideal urban vehicle, designed to reduce congestion and CO2, NOx and particulate emissions without compromising individual freedom of mobility.
Environmental benefits
i-Road is the latest concept to emerge from Toyota’s 40 years of research and development of vehicles that use less energy, place less of a burden on the environment and that meet people’s everyday transport needs – taking Toyota closer to its goal of creating the ultimate range of eco cars.
Toyota is paving the way for several types of eco car to co-exist in the future, by adapting its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology for use in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) like the Prius Plug-in, electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) such as the FCV-R concept.
While hybrids, plug-in hybrids and FCVs are ideal for mainstream use over medium to long distances, Toyota believes in the feasibility of EVs to serve as a main mode of transport for short urban journeys, and has 10 years’ experience in the research and development of PMVs.
People using this kind of vehicle want something that is more comfortable, offers better weather protection and is safer than a two-wheeler such as a scooter or motorcycle, but has similar benefits of low running costs, easy parking and around-town manoeuvrability.
Read more of our Geneva motor show coverage.
1 when in UK
2 price
3 I want one
THANKS FOR CREATE petrol & battery uses.
SAVE EARTH PETROL
AMAZING i-ROAD Toyota cars
Hi Doug
Thanks for your post and for your interest in the Toyota i-Road.
No news at the moment regarding your questions unfortunately, this is because trials have just started in France to help us gain real world data regarding use. This data will then be used to help shape the final product and the trial is expected to last two years. It is then that we should know more information about market introduction. Stay tuned to our Blog though for the latest news and we will also be reporting further from the trial in France.
Hi
Can you tell me V/AH of Buttery , motor type and Maximun Torque (NM) ,max load
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment.
As this is a concept vehicle, we do not have the specification of the battery and electric motor. Sorry!
Thanks.
So……if this is neither a car nor a motorbike…will I need a license to drive one in the UK?
Hi Cat,
Thanks for your comment.
This is a concept vehicle, and this is something that would need to be considered if it ever went into production.
Thanks.
I have been waiting for a vehicle like this since GM built the ‘Lean Machine’ that I saw at Epcot Center at Disney World.
All electric? Take my money 🤑!
Can you please confirm that Toyota intends to sell this vehicle, not just use it for ride-sharing?
I want one in blue