Toyota has announced a limited launch of the “C+pod” ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (BEV), for corporate users, local governments, and other organizations in Japan. The Japanese manufacturer plans to further promote the establishment of systems for popularizing BEVs, including the development of new business models, and to conduct a full-scale launch including to individual customers by 2022.

With a compact body measuring 2,490 x 1,290 x 1,550 mm (length x width x height), and a minimum turning radius of 3.9 m, the C+pod can comfortably navigate sharp corners on narrow roads, minimize steering wheel operation when parking, and provide excellent maneuverability in everyday driving. The C+pod comes with a cruising range of up to 150 km (WLTC mode), when running on battery power.

The C+pod comes with a fully blacked-out cabin, incorporating LED headlights and LED rear combination taillights to create a unique look.  With an interior cabin width of 1,100 mm, the interior provides a simple space for two adults to sit side-by-side.

To drive further popularization of BEVs, Toyota is expanding its product lineup and forming open collaborations as it works to build new business models. In Japan, it is focusing initially on the C+pod, Walking Area BEV, and Toyota i-Road2, with more than 200 corporate and local government partners currently involved in exploring new transportation models.