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Sunday, July 27, 2014

Toyota's i-ROAD Concept


Toyota has launched the first public trials of its ultra-compact i-Road electric three-wheeled “personal mobility vehicle” to find out how it shapes up in the cut-and-thrust of real-world urban driving.

They started real-world consumer trials of its unique i-Road urban electric vehicle in its native Japan. 


Control is via a regular steering wheel and pedals, and power is provided by two, 2 kW electric motors acting on the front wheels. That's only five horsepower in total, but that's still more than your average 50cc scooter and plenty for punting around the city.

It's illustrative of the fact that cars are very much a product of the roads and traffic conditions they've been designed for.

While large, comfortable, powerful vehicles have traditionally dominated in the United States, small and maneuverable, cheap-to-run cars are hugely popular in Japan.

Where registration, tax and fuel are expensive, Japan's size-restricted "kei cars" dominate the streets. But even those create pollution and congestion, something the i-Road avoids with its electric powertrain and 33-inch width--no more than a maxi-scooter.

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