Toyota has unveiled its newest concept car, the FT-Me, signaling its ambition to enter the small urban electric vehicle (micromobility) market. The FT-Me is expected to go into commercial production and compete with lightweight four-wheeled vehicles such as the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Mobilize Duo.
The FT-Me is Toyota’s latest concept car.
According to Toyota, the FT-Me combines premium design with affordability. This electric car features a design inspired by jet pilot helmets, with prominent fenders, a short overhang at the front and rear, and high-mounted LED lights. Additionally, Toyota uses recycled materials to reduce carbon emissions by 90% compared to current urban vehicles.
With a length of under 2.5 meters, the FT-Me is 1.2 meters shorter than the Toyota Aygo X. This means it takes up only half of a standard parking space or a third when parked perpendicularly. Its compact size, high maneuverability, and 360-degree visibility make the FT-Me ideal for urban environments.
The Toyota FT-Me is less than 2.5 meters long and has only two seats.
Inside, the FT-Me features a 2-seat interior, but the passenger seat can be removed to accommodate larger cargo. Its rectangular steering wheel is designed to be accessible to wheelchair users, allowing for full hand control without pedals. Meanwhile, the dashboard features a small screen that serves as a digital instrument cluster and supports smart connectivity.
The Toyota FT-Me is a pedal-less electric car.
The passenger seat can be removed to make room for bulkier items.
The rear window can be opened upwards.
Toyota claims that the FT-Me consumes three times less energy than a conventional electric car with a larger battery capacity. It has a range of approximately 100 kilometers per charge but can gain an additional 20-30 kilometers thanks to the solar panel on its roof.
The Toyota FT-Me is equipped with a solar panel on its roof.
Toyota asserts that the solar range of the FT-Me is sufficient for daily use, eliminating the need for charging. However, this depends on weather conditions and individual driving styles.
Toyota has not yet disclosed the specifications of the FT-Me’s electric motor. However, according to the regulations for the L6e small urban vehicle segment, the FT-Me’s top speed may be limited to 45 km/h. If so, teenagers aged 14 and older in some countries may be permitted to drive the Toyota FT-Me.
While the FT-Me is still a concept, Toyota has expressed a clear intention to commercialize it. According to Quattroruote magazine, Stijn Peeters, Director of New Mobility at Toyota, stated, “There is a market for a car like this. And Toyota has the capability to produce vehicles on a large scale and at a low cost.”
The Toyota FT-Me is expected to go into commercial production.
In the coming years, Toyota plans to launch a new small electric car with a price tag of less than 10,000 Euros (approximately 10,900 USD). Additionally, Toyota may develop further urban mobility solutions similar to those used in the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The commercial version of the Toyota FT-Me promises to be affordable.
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