Toyota has unveiled today the fully-electric iQ in full production version.designed specifically designed to be used in an urban environment, the iQ electric was displayed at both the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show in the form of the FT-EV III concept and this year’s Geneva Auto Show.
Despite its plans of mass-producing the zero-emission urban car, Toyota decided to limit the units it will be making. The reasons? EV’s limited range and lack of infrastructure means hybrid is still the way to go.
"The current capabilities of electric vehicles do not meet society’s needs, whether it may be the distance the cars can run, or the costs, or how it takes a long time to charge", declared Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota’s vice chairman and the engineer who oversees vehicle development.
This means, Toyota will produce only 100 units of the electric iQ, sold exclusively on the US and japanese markets.
Powered by a a new development of the Hybrid Synergy Drive, that comprises an electric motor of 63 horsepower and 163 Nm, the new electric iQ accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 14.0 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 125 km/h.
Fully charging the 12 kWh battery pack takes almost 3 hours from a home outlet. A rapid charging cycle can be completed in only 15 minutes, ensuring a 80% capacity for the battery.
Only 125 kg heavier, the electric iQ features three driving modes, selectable from the gear shift lever: D-range for minimum energy consumption, S-charge for maximum performance and B-range for maximum regenerative braking to extend the iQ’s range as far as possible.
