Toyota iQ EV to debut in Geneva

Toyota has announced that it will be bringing an electric version of the iQ to this year’s edition of the Geneva Motor Show.

The Japanese brand has used its readily adaptable Hybrid Synergy Drive ® technology as a base for the development of its EV powertrain. As part of Toyota’s long-term vision for short range sustainable mobility, the EV was developed alongside the company’s pioneering full Hybrid (HV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) and Fuel Cell Hybrid (FCHV) vehicles.

The electric powertrain has been installed on a Toyota iQ body. It combines combines compact city car agility with zero emissions and the easy, silent driving of an electric vehicle with a range of up to 105km (kilometres per charge in the Japanese C08 test cycle).

Thanks to use of a newly developed, flat, highly compact lithium-ion battery pack Toyota was able to create a particularly intelligent packaging solution without compromising the EV prototype’s loadspace or passenger accommodation for four.

During this year, Toyota will be testing the EV prototype across Europe, with a fully engineered production vehicle being scheduled for 2012 (in Europe), as part of a lease programme.

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show Toyota will be showcasing three World and one European premieres: the Yaris HSD concept, Prius +, FT-86 II concept and EV Prototype.