Toyota production BEV 2020 revealed: All-electric city car unveiled for Japan

Toyota has uncovered an all-new pure-electric city car designed exclusively for the Japanese market, meeting the mobility needs of customers who make regular, short-distance trips such as the elderly, new drivers or business people.

Set for a Japanese release in late 2020, the yet-to-be-named battery electric vehicle (BEV) is incredibly diminutive in stature, measuring just 2490mm long, 1290mm wide and 1550mm tall, making it shorter and narrower than the current Smart ForTwo.

The two-seater hatch features a range of 100km on a single charge and has a top speed of just 60km/h. A tight turning circle combines with its size to make it easy to navigate through tight urban spaces.

No details have been given on the battery-electric powertrain’s output, however a full charge takes five hours with a 200V outlet.

Toyota development chief Akihiro Yanaka said the vehicle was designed with Japan’s ageing population in mind.

“We want to create a mobility solution that can support Japan's ageing society and provide freedom of movement to people at all stages of life,” he said.

“With the ultra-compact BEV, we are proud to offer customers a vehicle that not only allows for greater autonomy, but also requires less space, creates less noise and limits environmental impact.”

Along with the launch late next year, Toyota is planning a new business model aimed to spur on the greater adoption of BEVs in general.

To help put this into action, the brand will focus on programs designed to recycle batteries, starting with examining every step of the battery’s life from manufacture to sale, resale or re-use, and recycling in order to maximise its value.

Toyota will create initiatives designed to recapture used batteries which can then be evaluated and re-used in pre-owned vehicles, as service parts and even in applications outside of cars.

Peripheral services for BEVs such as recharging stations and insurance are also being developed by Toyota.

The ultra-compact BEV will be shown at the Tokyo motor show this month alongside three different ‘walking area’ BEVs that will available for test rides, along with the i-Road three-wheeled scooter concept.

The ultra-compact BEV will not be released in Australia.