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Toyota has announced the limited launch of a new electric car in Japan called the C + pod, an ultra-compact electric vehicle (EV) that can accommodate two adults. The new model represents the automaker’s efforts to explore new options to drive electric vehicle adoption.
According to the Japanese automaker, as of December 25, 2020, the C + pod is open to “corporate users, local governments and other organizations that have been exploring new options to drive the popularization of electric vehicles.” Toyota said it has plans to launch a full-scale launch for individual customers by 2022.
The Tokyo-based company said the concept behind the C + capsule is that it is a small, eco-friendly means of transportation that can be used for short trips. Production of the EV will take place at Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Japan.
The compact body measures 2,490 x 1,290 x 1,550 mm (L x W x H). For context, it is 32% shorter and 20% narrower compared to the Perodua Axia. The automaker said the EV has a minimum turning radius of 3.9m that allows it to navigate tight curves on narrow roads while making it easier to maneuver into parking spaces.
The vehicle’s power is an electric motor that is said to deliver a maximum power of 9.2 kW (12.34 hp) and a maximum torque of 56 Nm to the rear wheels. The C + capsule is rated to have a maximum range of approximately 150km on a single charge and has a top speed of 60km / h.
It gets its power from a 9kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the floor. The EV is said to be compatible with standard charging, with the provided charging cable, users can connect directly to power outlets to recharge their vehicle. Toyota said the C + Pod takes 5 hours to fully recharge when charged at a 200V / 16A charging point.
The interior cabin is 1,100mm wide which is said to be enough for two adults to sit side by side. The instrument panel and other functional equipment are placed on the center console. The switches are also integrated into the center panel, putting it within easy reach of the driver.
In terms of safety features, Toyota did not specify the number of airbags the EV has. But based on the images inside the cabin, it appears that the EV comes with at least two airbags up front. However, the company claimed that the electric vehicle has a structure that “efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy across multiple components.” This is said to ensure safety from a frontal, side or rear collision, as well as mitigating the impact on pedestrians.
Toyota added that the EV has a pre-collision safety system that is said to be able to detect other vehicles and pedestrians. It also has a smart clearance probe with parking support brakes that the automaker says helps drivers avoid collisions or mitigate damage to walls and other obstacles when driving at low speeds.
It is worth noting that the C + module can also serve as a power supply with up to 1500 W (100 VAC) available. Toyota said this allows the electric vehicle to provide power during power outages and natural disasters. Users could charge their devices through the accessory socket near the passenger feet.
There is also an optional vehicle power connector that can be plugged into a standard charging socket on the front of the vehicle to be used as an external power outlet. Toyota claims that the car can supply power for about 10 hours. This is based on an estimate based on daily consumption of 10kWh for an average home that consumes 400kW of electricity per hour.
As for pricing, the Toyota C + capsule will come in two variants Grade X costing JPY 1,650,000 (RM64,606) and Grade G costing JPY 1,716,000 (RM67,190). It’s puzzling to note that the two EVs are nearly identical in terms of specs, but the Grade G weighs 20kg more than the Grade X.
While Toyota didn’t specify why this is the case, we know that the Grade G has a choice of five different two-tone body color schemes, including a Vivid Cyan Metallic and a Deep Orange Metallic. There are also three different three-tone color options available for the cab.
If you’re curious to see the full specs for the C + pod, check out the spec sheet below:
