Have you seen Toyota’s quirky FT-Me concept? This pint-sized electric two-seater looks like it rolled straight out of an anime series, and guess what? It’s inching closer to becoming a reality! The UK government recently handed Toyota a generous £15 million ($20 million) grant to research and possibly kickstart production of this micro-EV.
Targeted at Europe’s L6e light quadricycle segment, the FT-Me measures under 2.5 meters long (around 8.2 feet), which makes it ideal for urban dwellers looking for a compact and eco-friendly ride through the city. This funding comes from the UK’s Drive35 program and will support a consortium led by Toyota that includes lightweight EV experts ELM, solar technology firm Savcor, and the University of Derby.
Toyota has chosen their Burnaston facility in Derbyshire to lead this development study, with tests being conducted by the University of Derby. They’ll explore innovative options like solar roofing, enhanced connectivity features, and sustainable materials, plus possible parts-sharing with ELM’s upcoming last-mile delivery EV due to launch in 2024. While the final version might tone down some of the flashy LED vibes from the concept, the goal is to maintain the FT-Me’s sleek and futuristic aesthetic. The vision is clear: creating an ultra-light, sustainable EV that cuts its carbon footprint by 90% compared to standard city vehicles, while keeping it affordable and fun.
If all goes well, we could see the FT-Me cruising around UK and European roads in just a few years, joining the likes of the Citroën Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Renault Mobilize Duo. It’s expected to have a range of about 62 miles, with the added bonus of solar panels potentially providing an extra 19 miles when the sun’s shining bright. Although it’s capped at 5 horsepower and maxes out at 28 mph (so definitely not a speed demon), it might just become a hot pick for young drivers—especially since in some European countries, those as young as 14 can legally drive it. Toyota’s executives see this project as a groundbreaking move towards sustainable mobility for bustling cities, merging practicality with a dash of whimsy.
