Toyota to show new BEV?

[dpeilow]

At last, Britain is ready to build hybrid cars - Times Online

Toyota is working on a pure electric small car, based on the iQ, that will be recharged by plugging it into an external electricity supply, but the company continues to favour the petrol-electric hybrid system for mainstream models.

 

[dpeilow]

REPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changes

Interestingly, MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, which was based on the iQ minicar, will hit the market by 2012. At this time, the Japanese automaker may still be deciding between tried-and-true nickel metal hydride batteries or more powerful but unproven lithium ion units. Regardless, Toyota's aiming for a 50-mile range and an eight-hour recharge from a standard wall outlet.

 

[TEG]

MarketWatch.com: Toyota reported planning all-electric car for U.S. by 2010

 

[Serge]

MarketWatch.com: Toyota reported planning all-electric car for U.S. by 2010

Interesting wording:

"Later this year, we will launch a plug-in hybrid for fleet customers, followed by a pure electric vehicle in 2012," Toyoda said. "We're also making great progress on hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and hope to make this technology available and affordable for customers within the next half-dozen years."

Did aggressive moves by Nissan just prompt the reentry from a formerly tepid T into the EV race? And, of course, the obligatory reminder of rosy hydrogen future dreams.

 

[vfx]

We're also making great progress on hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and hope to make this technology available and affordable for customers within the next half-dozen years

Top Gear, Jesse James and Toyoda all say that Hydrogen will eliminate the need for battery vehicles in five years.

On one hand they have given up on saying batteries will not win. On the other hand they are going out with a "I'll get your little dog, too!" ...

 

[dpeilow]

Toyota's electric iQ | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

Take a look at Toyota's electric vision of the future. Called the FT-EV II, this cleverly designed, compact, electric concept is based on the iQ but will be specifically useful for short distance travel.

Perfect around busy cities, the electric iQ will have a range of more than 50 miles on a full charge, and a top speed of 62mph.

Packaging is very impressive too, measuring only 2730mm in length, 1680mm in width and 1490mm in height, the FT-EV II is 250mm shorter than the iQ, but this hasn't stopped Toyota from quoting there is still enough room to seat 4.

Toyota has also chosen to lose the traditional pedal operating system instead opting for a more futuristic approach, a joystick will be used for all the main tasks and will include the accelerator, brakes and steering, this means there will be more legroom in the four-seater too.

The minute I see that, I think "not serious".

 

[doug]

Toyota officially confirms 2012 launch of electric Scion iQ Autoblog Green

it was Toyota's confirmation that the electric Scion iQ will hit U.S. dealerships in 2012 that caught us by surprise. Why's that? Prior to this announcement, Toyota had not officially committed to a launch date for the electrified iQ. Now, it seems, the all-electric Scion iQ will be America-bound in less than 18 month's time.

Fifty mile range... Would be alright for a get around car if the price is right.

Scion iQ EV Electric Confirmed For 2012

So is this electric Scion iQ the production version of the FT-EV concept, or is the FTEV something different all together?

 

[doug]

Toyota Reveals Certain Details of Dealer Meeting - Drivers Seat - WSJ

Advanced technology vehicles. New, advanced vehicles arriving in 2012 include the Prius plug-in hybrid, RAV4 EV and Scion iQ EV. Toyota has committed to putting a fuel cell vehicle on the road by 2015, and is researching bio-fuels and next-generation materials to help make vehicles that will be lighter, safe and more fuel-efficient.

 

[vfx]

Friday press release.

 

[doug]

That's a rather flat looking battery pack. I wonder if they got any help with that.

 

[smorgasbord]

[That's a rather flat looking battery pack. I wonder if they got any help with that.

The Japanese Eliica had a flat battery pack in the chassis back in 2003:

It also has 8 motors - one in each wheel, no transmission.

 

[vfx]

Ahhh the Eliica. When you searched for electric car news back when Tesla was first announced all you could find was stories about the Eliica. My, how things have changed.

 

[stopcrazypp]

Ahhh the Eliica. When you searched for electric car news back when Tesla was first announced all you could find was stories about the Eliica. My, how things have changed.

The Eliica is still pretty amazing today. No EV has beaten its top speed record, although the Roadster has better acceleration.

 

[doug]

Just wondering if there is any Tesla involvement since they're launching the RAV4 around the same time. Of course, however, the FT-EV predates Tesla involvement.

 

[vfx]

The Eliica is still pretty amazing today. No EV has beaten its top speed record, although the Roadster has better acceleration.

Amazing but not sell-a-ble. Anyone here think that Tesla could not build the fastest EV on the planet if they wanted?

 

[TEG]

Very similar layout to the Leaf, but with the rear seats missing. Even the side by side J1772+CHAdeMO is similar.

 

[doug]

Very similar layout to the Leaf, but with the rear seats missing.

If it's like the ICE iQ, the seating is "3+1". There are two back seats, but the one behind the driver isn't particularly useful for people with legs. I think they suggest to use it for a child or small dog.

 

[TEG]

OK, it is like a Leaf with much of the passenger room removed, as well as the rear doors and rear cargo area...

 

[doug]

I'd say It's like a more functional Smart. The price will have to be quite good in order to compete with the Leaf.

Btw, haven't heard any mention of it, but I'm guessing this 2012 iQ EV will be lease only.

 

[TEG]

...Btw, haven't heard any mention of it, but I'm guessing this 2012 iQ EV will be lease only.

Some suggestions that may be true...
Scion iQ EV Coming in March Gas 2.0

...Toyota plans to bring the electric IQ to (lease-only) markets as early as 2012.

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