The new i-ROAD personal mobility vehicle (PMV) makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show and represents Toyota’s latest vision of a flexible form of transport designed specifically for urbanised city streets.

Seating two in tandem and under cover, i-ROAD is an electric vehicle with a range of up to 30 miles (50km) on a single charge. Using ‘Active Lean’ technology, it is designed to be safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, without the need for a driver or passenger to wear a helmet.

Toyota has adapted its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology for use in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). While hybrids, plug-in hybrids and FCVs are ideal for mainstream use over medium to long distances, Toyota believes in the feasibility of EVs to serve as a main mode of transport for short urban journeys, and has 10 years’ experience in the research and development of PMVs.

According to Toyota’s designers, people using this kind of vehicle want something that is more comfortable, offers better weather protection and is safer than a two-wheeler such as a scooter or motorcycle, but has similar benefits of low running costs, easy parking and around-town manoeuvrability.

The compact, three-wheel i-ROAD measures 2,350mm long and 1,445mm high and has a 1,700mm wheelbase. Its most significant dimension, though, is its width: at only 850mm, it is no wider than a conventional two-wheeler. Not only does this make for improved manoeuvring through congested traffic, it also means four can be parked in a single parking bay.

The all-electric powertrain uses a lithium-ion battery to power two 2kW motors mounted in the front wheels. Driving range is around 30 miles, after which the battery can be fully recharged from a conventional domestic power supply in three hours.

Toyota’s new Active Lean technology system uses a lean actuator and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the left and right front wheels. An ECU calculates the required degree of lean based on steering angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information, with the system automatically moving the wheels up and down in opposite directions, applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering.

The system also operates when the PMV is being driven in a straight line over stepped surfaces, the actuator automatically compensating for changes in the road to keep the body level. The minimum turning circle is just three metres.

No special skills are needed to pilot i-ROAD; the Active Lean system offers a two-wheeled riding experience, but with no need for the driver to stabilise the vehicle when manoeuvring at low speed, or when stationary.

As the driver doesn’t have to put his or her feet on the road surface at any time, i-ROAD can be fitted with a safer, weatherproof, closed body and so can be driven without wearing a helmet. This design also allows for a more car-like environment on board, with the potential for features such as lighting, heating, audio and Bluetooth to be provided.

Toyota envisages its i-ROAD concept has the potential to play a role in reducing urban traffic congestion and air pollution. Commuters can use public transport or conventional private vehicles to travel to urban perimeter transportation hubs where they will transfer to the i-ROAD to complete their journeys into the city centre.

Source: Toyota

Tags: Active Lean, car design, concept car, electric vehicle, EV, FCV, fuel cell vehicle, Hybrid Synergy Drive, i-Road, lithium-ion battery, personal mobility vehicle, PHEV, Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicle, PMV, Toyota, transport design