Toyota FT-Me concept edges closer to production with UK Government funding
The Toyota FT-Me concept has taken a step closer to becoming a reality, courtesy of a £15 million investment from the UK Government – it could also be built at the Japanese giant’s Burnaston plant in the Midlands.
Toyota’s answer to the likes of the Citroen Ami, the Fiat Topolino, and the Luvly 0, the FT-Me microcar will be built to the same L6e quadricycle regulations as these models, meaning it will be limited to a top speed of 28mph and a power output of 8bhp.
Like its rivals, the two-seat Toyota FT-Me is designed as a private transport solution for cities where congestion is riding, and increasing numbers of low-emissions zones are being introduced.
The Japanese manufacturer is said to be working alongside last-mile delivery van manufacturer Elm, materials manufacturer Savcor, and the University of Derby to investigate whether the FT-Me should make the transition from concept to production vehicle.
The FT-Me concept will borrow components from Elm’s Evolv delivery van, while Savcor will provide the solar-panelled roof, which Toyota claims can recover up to 19 miles of range day in sunny weather conditions.
The FT-Me concept will be built at the Toyota plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, where the Corolla is made. The nearby University of Derby will conduct a study into how the vehicle would be used by perspective buyers.
Toyota says that the UK Government’s funding will allow it to advance its understand the need and feasibility of an EV that tackles the issue of sustainable urban mobility.
The £15m is taken from the Government’s Drive35 programme, £2.5 billion set aside for helping the UK’s automotive industry make the transition to manufacturing zero-emission vehicles by the time petrol and diesel cars are banned from sale as of 2035.
A stipulation of Drive35 is that its funding is matched by at least 50% by the recipient of the investment. The Advanced Propulsion Centre responsible for managing the funding is reported to claim that total investment into the FT-Me project amounts to £30.3m, with Toyota taking on the brunt of the costs.
Should Toyota’s microcar make it to production, it promises a 62-mile range and a sub-£10,000 starting price.
