TOYOTA i-ROAD Three Wheel Personal Mobility Electric Vehicle

Three wheel wonder, or the future of the city car might be just around the corner!

Toyota has been bringing some ground breaking innovation to the automotive scene with the introduction of their Toyota i-ROAD Personal Mobility Vehicle.

Toyota unveiled the new i-ROAD three-wheeled electric personal mobility vehicle (PMV) concept at the Geneva motor show. Toyota’s i-ROAD 3-wheeled PMV has begun public road trials in Toyota City, Japan, as part of “Ha:mo”, Toyota’s optimized urban transport system.

The i-ROAD offers a novel riding experience, combining the convenience of motorcycle with the comfort and stability of a car. The i-ROAD seats two in tandem and under cover, and has a range of up to 30 miles (50km) on a single charge. Using “Active Lean” technology, it is safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet.

The all-electric powertrain uses lithium-ion battery to power two 2kW motors mounted in the front wheels, giving brisk acceleration and near – silent running. The battery can be fully recharged from a conventional domestic power supply in three hours. The system also operates when the PMV is being driven in a straight line over stepped surfaces, the actuator automatically compensating for changes in the road to keep the body level. The minimum turning circle is just three meters. More i-ROADs in Toyota City will be made available to the residents, at vehicle – sharing stations. The other important part is that it is electric, this means zero- emission and a nearly silent running experience. 

Toyota will provide ten vehicles to approximately 20 test participants, ranging from members of the general public to trend and industry experts. Feedback will be collected concerning driving feel, user satisfaction, ease-of-use in urban areas, and impact on destination choices.

Later this year, i-ROAD vehicles will be part of a vehicle – sharing project in Grenoble, France, that will last until 2017.