Toyota planning all-electric vehicle based on the iQ
By Andrew C., 26 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
Toyota FT EV Concept
Toyota's first all-electric car, internally called the Battery Electric Vehicle or BEV, will soon be launched in 2010. Although the BEV is based on the iQ, it will not be in the same market sector. In fact, the BEV is getting its own bodywork to create a stand-alone model. Hiroki Nakajima, iQ's chief engineer, said that the BEV will not be positioned as premium. He also said that the electric iQ will use in-wheel motors and was designed with this in mind. The BEV will be the first mass-production Toyota to use lithium ion batteries, following a trial of the technology on plug-in Priuses later this year. Charging time for the BEV is around 8 hours, allowing a range of 150km (93 miles). Meanwhile, the iQ cabin will get a much-needed upgrade after being criticized for the quality of its materials with buyers calling it as too plasticky. Nakajima said that the iQ will get a much better interior. Customization packages for the iQ will also be introduced in the style of the Fiat 500 and the Mini. No dates were given for when the changes would be implemented but it is believed to coincide with a facelift due in 2011.
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