Toyota i-Road R&D Project in Tokyo

The next step for Toyota will be the launch of the Open Road Project with the i-Road ultra-compact EV concept in July in Tokyo. To boost the practical, convenient and fun use of the i-Road on city streets, Toyota will seek creative advice and response from the specialist companies and members of the public focusing on two key areas: finding appropriate parking and encouraging customization.

Appropriate parking

The i-Road has its two key elements, its compact size and its capability to be charged from a standard 100V electric outlet. By working with parking area operators and commercial property owners in central Tokyo, Toyota will benefit by identifying unused spaces with access to plug sockets that could be used for i-Road parking and charging. Feedback will be used for analysis on how to expand the parking and charging network.

Encouraging customization

Making the i-Road a really unique and personal experience through the use of custom parts is Toyota's goal. In this project the participants will be able to express themselves by 3D-printing body parts with colors and surface designs of their choosing.

100 participants will be involved, from ordinary members of the public to experts and trendsetters, to which Toyota will provide 10 i-Road vehicles for about a month each. Overall, the project will run for approximately a year.

Partners in this project will provide feedback to help Toyota better the practicality and usability of the i-Road. This will include opinions on how the vehicle might be modified or made more viable for further production.