Toyota i-Road Concept
Presented by Toyota at 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the i-Road Concept is a study of an ultra compact, three-wheeler personal mobility vehicle with an electric drivetrain and an Active Lean technology.
The Toyota i-Road is an ultra-compact, tandem two-seater electric vehicle that offers a riding experience with the same level of convenience as a motorcycle.
The i-Road is 2,350 mm long, 1,445 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 1,700 mm and a width of only 850 mm, about the same as that of a conventional two-wheeler.
The ultra-compact dimensions offer excellent maneuverability – the minimum turning circle is just 3.0 meters – and minimizes space needed for parking.
The adoption of a newly developed, automatic active-lean system provides great response and an exhilarating driving experience.
The Toyota i-Road features a closed allows passengers to use it helmet-free and shielded from the weather in all seasons.
The electric powertrain features a lithium-ion battery providing power to a pair of 2 kW electric motors mounted within the front wheels. The driving range is approximately 50 kilometers.
A newly developed active lean system optimally and automatically controls vehicle body angle, ensuring stable ride.
The system features a lean actuator motor and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the right and left front wheels.
An ECU calculates the required lean based on steering angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information. And the system automatically moves the wheels up and down in opposite directions, applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering.
Toyota has reported that “it will continue research and development toward the practical adoption of the Toyota i-Road as the first in a new category of electric vehicles.”
Toyota i-Road – Technical Specifications
| Length | 2,350 mm |
| Width | 850 mm |
| Height | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,700 mm |
| Curb weight*1 | 300 kg |
| Tire size | Front: 80/80R16 |
| Rear: 130/70R10 | |
| Seating | 2 |
| Minimum turning radius | 3.0 m |
| Powertrain | Electric motors (2 kw × 2 units) |
| Maximum speed | 45 km/h |
| Driving range | 50 km*2 |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion |
| *1Empty vehicle weight excluding passengers, cargo, etc.; *2Target value based on operation at 30 km/h. | |
(Source: Toyota)
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Toyota has a great concept (Narrow, Enclosed, Tilting, Commuter); BUT its limited performance (30 mi. range, 28mph speed) severely limits its practicality and marketability in today’s society. While less than 30mph might be OK for a city center; getting there on 45-55mph roads would be impractical and dangerous. Most city dwellers live in apartments and high rises and would find parking, storing and recharging impractical. Might be good for a “Car Sharing” business. Now if Toyota could come up with an i-Road-2.0 with 100 mile range and a top speed of 65-75mph, then they would have the “Commuter of the Future” for suburbanites , and would sell hundreds of thousands; I know I’d buy one!