If we look from its model, this vehicle is categorized as a car or motorcycle? Got 3 wheels, one behind and two in front. And this vehicle only fit for 2 people only. The shape is futuristic but cute because the size is small like a motorcycle.
Yeah, I think this is called a car with motorcycle taste. The driver will feel comfortable as a car. On the other hand, this car is very nimble, can go through the traffic jam as a motorcycle due to the small body.
At the Geneva Motor Show 2014 in Switzerland, Toyota surprisingly featured a car that looks like a car from the Science Fiction film; Toyota i-ROAD. Not only looks interesting and unique, the Toyota i-ROAD is an environmentally friendly car because it uses electrical energy.
Electric cars became popular, Elon Musk’s from Tesla has turned the electric car industry into a different and more interesting. However, Tesla is not the only company that innovates to build electric cars, Toyota, and other car manufacturers are also working hard on this.
One of the exciting features of the Toyota i-ROAD is the Active Lean technology that automatically fits perfectly, lifting and lowering the front tires to balance the vehicle at 64 degrees, even on sharp corners. This feature will keep the driver safe and free from worries in keeping the vehicle in balance.
In addition, Toyota i-ROAD is also integrated with the Ha: mo (Harmonious Mobility Network) system to reduce congestion in the city.
Interior
This electric car has a slide-able seat. Maybe the function is to adjust the passenger’s desired position. For the transmission, more or less this car has a similarity to other automatic vehicles. There is no the transmission lever, just press the “D” button at the right of the steering wheel until the lamp’s indicator is on, so simple.
Toyota i-ROAD has a handbrake which located on the left side of the foot. The accelerate pedal is very smooth due to the use of electric motor on the front wheels.
Dimension and Performance
Toyota i-ROAD has a rotation type that uses rear wheel steering that makes it different at every level of speed, whether low or high. This three-wheel electric car is an artificial personal mobility with a potential combination of a car and motorcycle.
This car comes with a compact design and is suitable for driving in urban areas. With dimensions that have a width of 870 mm, this car is larger 170 mm when compared to a scooter but smaller 30 mm than a big bike. This is what makes it the most practical vehicle in the world.
This car can also be a problem solver when it is difficult to find the parking area. With a 4: 1 dimension of comparison with normal cars in general, this car requires only a small area for parking. Toyota i-ROAD uses an easy-to-use control system like a motorcycle, but it’s much safer and more comfortable that will keep its users away from any kind of weather.
Not only that, the steering wheel of the Toyota i-ROAD is also quite interesting with its uniqueness that makes the driver like surfing with ski boards. This car armed with an electric drive system with a source of battery power Lithium-ion zero emission.
The Toyota i-ROAD is an ultra-compact electric car, with only three tires, two at the front, and one at the rear. This car is designed to drive a short distance within the city. Toyota i-ROAD has a maximum speed of 60km / hour or 37 miles/hour and can travel a distance of 50 km or 31 miles with a full charge.
Features
Unlike conventional cars that turn with the front tire, Toyota i-ROAD turns using rear tires. Active Lean Technology makes the left and right suspensions work individually to tilt the vehicle just like a motorcycle.
Moreover, active lean technology makes the front wheel suspension lift individually to give cornering sensations like on a motorcycle. The difference, i-ROAD technology will not let the driver and passenger fall. Although only has 5.36 HP, but this car did not feel lack of power. With 300 kg or 661 pounds of weight, making the torque of this car good enough for everyday use.
Price
Approximately, the price for this unique concept car is $14,000 in the United Stated or £10,000 in the United Kingdom. The price of £10,000 will compete with other similar vehicles such as Renault Twizy (£7,000/$9761) and a three-wheeled Piaggio MP3 scooter (£6,000 or $8,366). But frankly, I think this one is much better than its competitors. What do you think?
Specification
| Engine | |
| Maximum Power | 2 x 2.68 hp |
| Maximum Torque | – |
| Engine Layout | Front Wheel Drive |
| Powertrain | 2 Electric Motor |
| Maximum Speed | 60 Km / h |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion 5.5 KWh |
| Occupancy | 1 |
| Turning Radius Minimum | 2.3 – 3.0 m |
| Transmission | Direct |
| Dimensions | |
| Length x Width x Height | 2,345 x 870 x 1455 (mm) |
| Wheel Base | 1.695 (mm) |
| Weight | 300 Kg |
| Front Tire Size | 80/90 R16 |
| Rear Tire Size | 120/90 R16 |
| Tires Brand | Dunlop |
| Chassis | |
| Maximum Distance | 50 Km |
| Steering System | Rear Wheel Steering with Lean Actuator |
| Suspension | Active-Lean Technology |
| Brake Type | Disc |
It seems interesting to be able to drive with this futuristic and unique car with its cool technology. It makes me wonder; will you use this car to drive around the city? Then, at a glance the name of i-ROAD sound familiar as the products of Apple because it starts from the small “i”, whether this will be a problem later? I don’t think so, but we will see later…
Gallery
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You might be interested in watching the videos below 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNetocoX9mo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQ1hkv1rj4
Where in US can i buy Toyota i-ROAD: narrow as a scooter, safe as a car.
When this car launch in india?