Toyota launches C+pod electric vehicle in Japan

Powered by a small rear-mounted electric motor with 9.2kW and 56Nm sending drive to the rear wheels, the C+pod has a claimed top speed of 60km/h.

Power for the electric motor comes via a 9.06kWh lithium-ion battery, giving the C+pod a claimed range of around 150km.

The body is fashioned from plastic panels to help reduce weight and is available in five two-tone colour options and three three-tone combinations

Inside, the C+pod is strictly a two-seater while features include air conditioning, heated seats and a centrally-mounted digital instrument cluster.

Other features include power mirrors and central locking while standard safety smarts include a Pre-collision Safety System that detects other vehicles (day and night), pedestrians (day and night), and cyclists (day).

Underscoring its urban focus, the C+pod measures in at 2490mm long with a 1780mm wheelbase), 1290mm wide and 1550mm high. The turning circle is a claimed 3.9 metres. No heavyweight, the C+pod stops the scales at 670kg.

Toyota is initially targeting corporate customers and local governments in Japan with order books opening in December 2020.

Pricing in Japan starts at ¥1.65million (AUD$20,700) with private sales set to commence in 2022.