Toyota

Toyota focuses on the future at Tokyo 2011

15 November 2011 - Toyota is using the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show to reinforce its position as an environmental technology leader with three concept cars, one near future, one mid term and one way out there.

Based on the Toyota iQ, the FT-EV III (Future Toyota - Electric Vehicle III) is a 4-seater electric vehicle concept suitable for short-distance trips. Toyota is developing EV technology with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 65 miles on a fully charged battery (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).

The FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle - Reality & Revolution) concept, measuring 4.7 metres in length, is a practical, family sized vehicle fuelled by hydrogen. This concept model represents the next step towards the commercial launch of a Toyota fuel cell vehicle by 2015.

With the fuel-cell unit located beneath the specially designed bodyshell, the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers and boasts impressive luggage space. The fuel cell stack, with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 430 miles (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).

The Toyota Fun-Vii ( Fun-Vehicle interactive internet) concept heralds Toyota's vision of a future where people, cars and society are linked.