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(from Toyota Press
Release) 2013 Geneva Motor Show: TOYOTA i-ROAD
• World Premiere of
the TOYOTA i-ROAD, a new form of transportation
• Compact, all-electric, three-wheel Personal Mobility Vehicle
with comfortable, enclosed two-seater cabin
• New ‘Active Lean’ technology for automatic leaning during
cornering
• 850 mm width no greater than conventional two-wheeler, for
motorcycle-like manoeuvrability
• Zero-emission, near-silent EV powertrain with 50 km range
Brussels, Belgium - The
TOYOTA i-ROAD Personal Mobility Vehicle (PMV) –a new form of
transportation offering greater flexibility in the urban
environment- makes its World Premiere at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Offering a comfortable, enclosed environment for two occupants
seated in tandem, the compact TOYOTA i-ROAD Electric Vehicle (EV)
features unique, ‘Active Lean’ technology to provide a safe,
intuitive and enjoyable, helmet-free driving experience over a range
of up to 50 km* on a single charge.
Committed to reducing energy consumption and the environmental
burden attached to transportation, Toyota has been researching and
implementing environmentally-friendly mobility solutions for over 40
years in the quest for the ultimate range of eco cars, designed to
suit every user profile.
Through the adaption of its Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology for use
in Hybrid Vehicles (HV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV),
Electric Vehicles (EV) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV), Toyota is
paving the way for several types of eco car to coexist in the
future.
Whilst HVs, PHEVs and FCVs are ideal for mainstream use over mid to
long distances, Toyota believes in the feasibility of EVs as a
primary mode of urban transportation for shorter distances. Toyota
has more than 10 years experience in the research and development of
PMVs.
PMV users require a vehicle that is more comfortable, more
weatherproof and safer than a two-wheeler, yet still offers the
benefits of low running costs, and the compact dimensions (most
notably width) to facilitate the easy parking and urban
manoeuvrability associated with two-wheelers such as scooters and
motorcycles.
2,350 mm long, 1,445 mm height and with a wheelbase of 1,700 mm, the
ultra-compact, three-wheeled TOYOTA i-ROAD’s key dimension is a
width of only 850 mm, about the same as that of a conventional
two-wheeler. This not only equips the TOYOTA i-ROAD with the
latter’s ability to manoeuvre freely through even the most congested
traffic, but also makes it possible to park four of the new Toyota
PMVs in a single car parking bay.
The TOYOTA i-ROAD’s zero-emission, all-electric powertrain features
a lithium-ion battery providing power to a pair of 2 kW electric
motors mounted within the front wheels. Combining brisk acceleration
with near-silent running, the new Toyota PMV has a range of some 50
km[1], after which it may be fully recharged from a conventional
household power outlet in just three hours.
Key to the higher levels of stability, safety, comfort and enjoyment
associated with the TOYOTA i-ROAD driving experience is Toyota’s
new, entirely intuitive ‘Active Lean’ technology.
The system features a lean actuator motor and gearing mounted above
the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the right and left
front wheels. An ECU calculates the required lean based on steering
angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information. And the system
automatically moves the wheels up and down in opposite directions,
applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of
cornering.
Offering a minimum turning circle of just 3.0 metres, the system
also operates when the Toyota PMV is being driven straight ahead on
a stepped surface, the lean actuator automatically compensating for
changes in the road surface to keep the body level.
Requiring no specialised driving skills to operate, the Active Lean
system offers a unique driving experience with all the enjoyment of
two-wheeler riding and without the need for the driver to stabilise
the vehicle himself during slow speed manoeuvres, or when
stationary.
Because the Active Lean system obviates the need for the driver to
lower his feet to the road surface at any time, the TOYOTA i-ROAD
may be equipped with a safer, weatherproof, closed body
construction.
This not only means that the new Toyota PMV may be driven without a
helmet, but also allows for a more car-like on-board environment
with the potential to benefit from such features as lighting,
heating, an audio system and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.
Toyota envisages the TOYOTA i-ROAD’s all-electric individual
mobility concept playing a significant role in the reduction of both
congestion and air pollution within the urban environment.
With commuters using either public transport or conventional private
vehicles to travel to urban perimeter transportation hubs, they then
transfer to the TOYOTA i-ROAD to complete their journeys and move
within the city centre.
Its compact dimensions, manoeuvrability, easy parking, rapid
charging and availability in either open or enclosed cabin format
make the new Toyota PMV an ideal urban transportation solution
designed to reduce both inner city congestion and CO2, NOx and
particulate emissions without compromising individual freedom of
mobility.
