Toyota releases compact 2-seater EV for corporate users, local gov'ts

Toyota Motor Corp has declared a limited release of the C+pod ultra-compact battery electrical vehicle (BEV) to corporate users, local governments and other businesses which have been exploring latest options to operate a vehicle the popularization of BEVs.

Toyota said it ideas to help expand promote the establishment of devices for popularizing BEVs, including advancement of home based business models, and conduct a full-scale launch including to individual consumers by 2022.

The new C+pod can be an environmentally-friendly two-seater BEV designed as a mobility option that increases per-person energy efficiency. Furthermore to short-distance daily work with, the C+pod is also aimed at corporate users going to customers on a regular basis, and at users in urban or mountainous communities needing secure, unrestricted, and environmentally-friendly transportation options.

To drive further more popularization of BEVs, Toyota is expanding its product lineup and forming available collaborations as it gets results to build home based business models. In Japan, it really is focusing primarily on the C+pod, Walking Region BEVs, and Toyota i-Road, with an increase of than 200 corporate and municipality partners currently involved with exploring new transportation styles.

Toyota said the launch of the C+pod may also demonstrate new offerings specific to BEVs. Among those companies is Toyota Green Demand, a joint job developed with Chubu ENERGY Miraiz Co Inc to give a single level of contact for companies seeking support when constructing optimum charging features or developing electricity programs for BEVs, such as for example CO2-free power. The service will be jointly implemented in collaboration with Chubu ENERGY Miraiz, Kansai ENERGY Co and TEPCO Strength Partner. Other offerings in planning are the electric-vehicle sharing assistance that combines tourist information with the Toyota Show car-sharing service to market sightseeing and excursions.