The two -seater ultra -small EV "C+POD" is a new era city commuter that cannot run on the highway

■ Ensuring sufficient cruising range 150km for city riding

On December 23, 2021 (Thursday), Toyota's ultra -small EV "C+POD" was also eligible for leasing for individuals.The EV was sold to some corporations and local governments in December 2020.

In addition, all car leasing contracts (price plans vary depending on the dealer), and are available at Toyota vehicle dealers and rental stores nationwide (some stores are not available).

The ultra -small EV "C+POD" is "ultra -small mobility" set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

It is a class that fills the between bicycles (minicars) and mini cars, represented by Toyota body Coms (also found in Seven -Eleven etc.).

Ultra -small mobility includes "model -type designated vehicles" and "certified vehicles".

The former maximum speed is 60km/h due to structure, rated output 0.6kw or more, length 2.5m or less, width 1.3m or less, height 2.There is a requirement of 0m or less."C+POD" is a designated car.

In the "certified car", the maximum speed is "individual restrictions", and the rated output is 0..6kw ~ 8.0kw.The size is the same as a mini car, length 3.4m or less, width 1.48m or less, height 2.There is a limit of 0m or less.

Furthermore, among the ultra -small mobility, the "model -type designated car", which is classified as "C+POD", "a mini car with a maximum size of a motor bicycle or less, and among vehicles with a maximum speed of 60 km/h or less.There is also a condition that things that do not operate on high -speed automobile national roads are applicable, which is not possible to run on highway.

In addition, the designated model is "It is necessary to display the vehicle with a maximum speed of 60km/h or less in an easy -to -read position on the vehicle rear."

"C+POD" is a city commuter for the city riding less than a mini car, but for collision safety performance, a standard that is closer to a mini car is applied than a "minicar".

The full wrap front collision is 40km/h (50km/h for a mini car), and the offset front collision is 40km/h (56km/h for mini cars).The side collision to the pole is not applied, all of which apply ABS, horizontal slip prevention devices, and electric shock protection standards.In addition, collision damage reduction brakes are also standard equipment.

"C+POD" is close to a mini car, including collision safety performance and preventive safety performance.However, when you get on it, the sound and vibration surface, especially the sound of the sound, is large, giving the impression that it is between minicars and mini cars.

There is also a limit on the maximum speed, and it seems that it is designed as something that is used as a nearby foot.Even if you talk to an engineer, isn't there a few scenes that run long distances (the cruising range is 150 km)?It seems to be watching.

"C+POD" is the minimum rotation radius of 3.It also features an amazing small turn performance of 9m.It is possible to handle it without difficulty in narrow residential areas and shopping streets, and it has a car that can be used normally, although two adults are not relaxed.

It seems that many people hesitate when considering the price, but the rapidly decreasing gas station problem in rural areas and central Tokyo can be solved if they can be charged at home (about 5 hours for 200V, about 100 V.time).

In addition, the Toyota Group has shown a two -seater maximum mobility called "pico" at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show from Daihatsu booth.

Although we proposed a concept car with a view to abolition of public transportation and depopulation, there was no standard itself at the time and it was not commercialized.About 10 years have passed, and the times have finally caught up.It is noteworthy that this market will grow.

● Reference price (manufacturer's suggested retail price) x: 1.65 million yen G: 1716,000 yen

(Sentence: Katsuhiro Tsukada / Photo: Makoto Inoue)