Toyota has launched the FT-Me Concept, communicating its intention of entering the micromobility segment. The urban EV is expected to evolve into a production model, competing against the likes of the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Mobilize Duo heavy quadricycles.

According to Toyota, the FT-Me concept combines “premium design with affordability”. The exterior design is inspired by a jet helmet, featuring pronounced fenders, tiny overhangs, and high-mounted LEDs. Thanks to the use of recycled materials, the automaker targets a 90% reduction in carbon footprint compared to today’s urban vehicles.

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With a length of under 2.5 m (98.4 inches), the FT-Me is over 1,2 m (47.2 inches) smaller than the Toyota Aygo X. In other words, it occupies half of a standard parking space, or one third when perpendicular parking is available. The small footprint, high maneuverability, and “360-degree visibility” of the FT-Me make it ideal for urban use.

The cabin has a two-seater layout, although the passenger seat can be removed for carrying larger items. The rectangular steering wheel is designed with wheelchair users in mind and allows the vehicle to be “driven solely by hand commands” without the need of pedals. The dashboard has a small screen serving as a digital instrument cluster with advanced connectivity features.

Toyota

Solar Charging Can Cover Your Daily Needs

The lightweight FT-Me consumes three times less energy per km compared to a typical EV with a high-capacity battery. The range is estimated at around 100 km (62 miles) between charges, although it could be extended by 20-30 km (12-19 miles) thanks to the roof-mounted solar panels.

Toyota claims that the extra range from the sun covers the expected daily usage of the urban EV, removing the need to plug it into a charger, although this largely depends on weather conditions and how one drives the car.

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While we don’t have the specifications of the electric powertrain, we can make some assumptions based on the regulations of the L6e segment. These require a limited top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) and would allow the smallest Toyota to be driven by 14-year-olds in certain markets.

Will It Reach The Market?

The FT-Me might be presented as a concept, but there is a clear intention of evolving it for production. As reported by Quattroruote, Stijn Peeters, head of Toyota’s New Mobility division, said that “There is a market for a vehicle like this. And Toyota is able to produce it on a large scale at low costs.”

A heavy quadricycle by Toyota could reach the market sometime over the next few years, with a price tag of under €10,000 ($10,900). The model could be joined by other micromobility solutions, similar to the ones created for the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.