Toyota debuts the battery-electric e-Palette vehicle, designed for various mobility solutions
Toyota Motor Corporation, the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, has made significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company has announced plans to begin production of its first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in Europe at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ) site, and has already started selling its innovative e-Palette BEV in Japan.
The e-Palette, a versatile EV, boasts a low floor and wide sliding doors for easy entry and exit, as well as an electric ramp and height-adjustment functions for wheelchair users. It has a total weight of 2,950 kg and is equipped with a 72.82 kWh main power battery.
One of the standout features of the e-Palette is its "Steer-by-Wire System," which minimizes steering effort for the driver. The vehicle is also engineered to support automated driving by integrating an automated driving kit (ADK) compatible with Toyota's vehicle control interface (VCI).
The e-Palette is designed to cater to a wide array of mobility services. It can transform from a shuttle bus during peak hours to a store during the day, all while recharging. It offers both standard and quick charging capabilities and can supply power when stationary, making it a potential emergency power source during disasters.
Toyota plans to conduct automated driving trials with partners specializing in automation, dealerships, and municipalities in select areas. The goal is to introduce vehicles outfitted with Level 4 automated driving systems to the market by the fiscal year 2027.
The e-Palette is equipped with digital signage inside and outside the vehicle that can display customized information. The interior can be customized to support various uses, such as a mobile entertainment hub. It can accommodate up to 17 individuals, including seating, standing passengers, and the driver.
While no information about policy changes or real-time data was provided, it is worth noting that the e-Palette will be deployed in TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, Japan, and its vicinity, along with the Toyota Woven City. Toyota Motor Corporation also plans to produce e-Palette BEV versions outside Japan, with potential locations including Argentina, Brazil, China, France, the UK, and Indonesia.
The e-Palette can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and is equipped with a cabin monitoring system to ensure door operation safety. With its innovative design and versatile functionality, the e-Palette is poised to revolutionize the EV market.
