Internal "EV Commuter System" to Begin

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) will begin operation of an "EV Commuter System" next spring at its headquarters in Aichi Prefecture. The system will use approximately fifty "e-com" electric vehicles, the spry two-seat eco-commuter that debuted as a concept car at last year's Tokyo Motor Show.

The system incorporates intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology as well. Persons using the system will have IC cards that serve as car keys, and which also contain reservation data and other information. A location control system will keep track of vehicle whereabouts, and a membership system will allow multiple employees to share the EVs efficiently and conveniently.

This system represents Toyota's first concrete step toward tackling the creation of a new mobility system aimed at the coming century. With the aim of raising operation efficiency, TMC also is considering introducing a rental-car system in Toyota City, whereby selected employees will use e-com vehicles for commuting to and from work. The system will also simulate the collection of car rental fees.

TMC has also decided to provide e-com vehicles on an experimental basis at the Automobile Theme Park now being planned for the Tokyo Waterfront ST Block opening next spring. The vehicles will allow visitors to the theme park to experience firsthand the usefulness of light EVs.

EVs are expected to be an effective means for helping resolve transport-related issues in cities. They generate very little noise, have no engine emissions, and their cost per distance traveled is low. Despite these benefits, EV use is limited to mainly corporations due to their price, limited range and lack of charging facilities.

TMC feels that the issues facing EVs can be resolved, since most cars in large cities are driven no more than 30km per day, with one or two occupants per vehicle. Accordingly, if a system for EV use in communities, by corporations, or in tourist areas is constructed, it will stimulate demand for such vehicles. For these reasons, there is a possibility of EVs being accepted as cost-saving, environment-friendly vehicles for short distance travel, not only by corporations but also by individuals.

Today, there is a heightened awareness of environmental considerations and further advances have been made in EV and ITS technology. Having studied new urban transportation systems for many years, TMC is now prepared to propose its e-com system be used domestically and overseas as a new type of system for the twenty-first century. TMC hopes to collect actual usage data from the EV Commuter System and Automobile Theme Park, and apply that knowledge to the commercialization of such EV systems in the future.