Toyota has unveiled an unusual compact vehicle that takes up half of a standard parking space yet has a particularly impressive list of technological features. The Toyota FT-Me is a concept model that is set to rival electric quadricycles such as the Citroen Ami, Microlino, and Mobilize Duo, with futuristic styling and enough space for two adults.
According to the huge Japanese company, the model was inspired by the various mobility solutions created by Toyota for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games and is said to have been designed to meet the latest needs of city residents. This includes the Toyota FT-Me’s particularly compact dimensions, with the 2.5-metre length being even less than a Smart ForTwo, albeit around 9cm more than a Citroen Ami. Unusually for an electric vehicle, however, the FT-Me is also particularly light, weighing in at just 425kg without any passengers or luggage. This will help to make it qualify as a quadricycle, with motorists as young as 14 being able to get behind the wheel in some markets.
Styled after a futuristic jet helmet, the Toyota FT-Me extensively uses recycled materials, which the company claims has helped to cut the little model’s footprint by as much as 90 percent.
Much like the Mobilize Duo, Renault’s latest quadricycle that was unveiled at the Paris Motorshow, the FT-Me features robust front and rear arches, with the wheels positioned as far to the corners as possible for better roadholding.
The concept also features a two-tone paint system, with even the front wheel trims being a different colour to the rear set, and high-mounted rear LED lights, fitted above the rear window.
Despite the FT-Me’s minuscule proportions, the little Toyota has enough room for two passengers and a considerable amount of configurations – with the passenger seat being removable to accommodate bulky loads.
In a bid to make driving as easy as possible, the model can be operated via hand commands in conjunction with the unusual rectangular-shaped steering wheel, which features a small blue lever at either side of the centre cap.
Other standard features include smartphone integration, which can be used to offer keyless entry, a glass roof which features a solar panel, and a digital instrument cluster.
Whilst Toyota has yet to share any technical details for the FT-Me concept, a spokesperson for the company suggested that it has a range of ‘at least 100km’ (62 miles) per charge.
Being a quadricycle, it will also be expected that the Toyota has the same lowly top speed of the Ami or Microlino at 28mph. However, it is currently unknown whether Toyota may make a version with a higher top speed for those with a full driving licence.
The brand is also yet to confirm whether the FT-Me will be sold in the UK, however buyers in Mainland Europe should soon be able to use an example for less than €300 (£250) per month with a Netflix-style subscription service.
