toyota i Road electric personal mobility vehicle

toyota i-Road electric personal mobility vehicleimage courtesy toyota

making its world debut at the 2013 geneva motor show, toyota has introduced the i-ROAD – an electric personal mobility vehicle. offering greater flexibility in an urban environment, the i-ROAD provides seating in tandem for two users in a pod-like enclosed environment. its all-electric power-train features a lithium-ion battery – which provides power to a pair of 2 kW electric motors mounted within the front wheels. the EV provides unique, ‘active lean’ technology for a safe, intuitive and enjoyable, helmet-free driving experience for over a range of up to 50 km on a single charge.

toyota i-Road PMV rear 3/4 – active lean detailimage courtesy toyota

the system features a lean actuator motor and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the right and left front wheels. An ECU calculates the required lean based on steering angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information. the ‘active lean’ automatically moves the wheels up and down in opposite directions, applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering. measuring 2,350 mm long and 850 mm wide, the compact three-wheeled PMV’s dimension also makes it possible to park four units in a single car parking bay and allows it to manoeuvre freely through congested traffic.