Toyota FT-Me: a compact electric car that can be driven from the age of 14

Toyota has unveiled the FT-Me - a concept of an ultra-compact, manoeuvrable electric car for cities. The novelty resembles the first Smart, but in a modern interpretation, with an emphasis on environmental friendliness and integration with smartphones.

Here's What We Know

The Toyota FT-Me is a two-seat electric car less than 2.5 metres long, making it ideal for dense city traffic. It takes up half of a normal parking space, and in some cases it can even be placed perpendicularly, using just a third of the space. The new car was unveiled in Brussels alongside the Toyota C-HR+, Toyota Urban Cruiser and the redesigned Toyota bZ4X electric cars.

The styling of the car, is inspired by a jet pilot's helmet. The white and black colour combination is intended to "convey a sense of safety, reliability and lightness".

Toyota is positioning the FT-Me as an accessible vehicle for everyone, including teenagers and people with disabilities. In some countries, it can be driven from the age of 14 - all you need is a basic driving licence.

Design features

The design of the Toyota FT-Me provides 360-degree all-round visibility. The multifunctional steering wheel allows the car to be operated using only the hands, making it wheelchair accessible without the need for additional modifications. The door locks can be opened and closed and the car can be started using a digital key in the smartphone.

Eco-friendly and autonomous

Toyota is committed to sustainability, focusing on maximising the use of recycled materials. As a result, the FT-Me's CO₂ emissions are 90 per cent lower than conventional city cars.

The FT-Me consumes three times less energy than a standard electric car. It also features solar panels on the roof, which can add 20-30 kilometres of driving range per day. Toyota claims that under favourable conditions, this allows most users to not charge the car at all.

Source: Toyota