Toyota is bringing the e-Palette electric shuttle to market

Toyota is launching a production version of the e-Palette multi-purpose electric car, first shown back in 2018. In Japan, the model can already be ordered at a price starting at 29 million yen (around €168k).

Here's What We Know

The 4.95 metre long electric "shuttle" is designed for 16 passengers (four seated and twelve standing) plus the driver. So far it corresponds to Level 2 automation level, but by fiscal year 2027 Toyota plans to bring to market versions with Level 4 robotic driving system.

The e-Palette's "stuffing" is as follows: a 150 kW asynchronous electric motor, a 73 kWh battery and a range of about 250 kilometres. Fast charging with up to 90 kW (about 40 minutes to 80 per cent) or slow charging with 6 kW AC current (about 12 hours to full charge) is supported. The vehicle weight is about three tonnes.

The design features a low floor and wide sliding doors for easy passenger boarding and disembarkation. In addition, the e-Palette supports bi-directional charging (V2L) and can be used as a power source, for example in emergency situations.

Toyota is positioning the novelty not only as passenger transport, but also as a platform for services: a mobile shop, warehouse or workspace. The first copies will appear around Toyota Arena Tokyo and in the city of new technologies Woven City. In addition, the company is going to involve dealers, municipalities and partners in Japan in pilot projects on automated transport.

Source: Toyota