Toyota Motor Corporation have announced that it will expand sales of its C+pod ultra-compact electric vehicle (EV) to all corporate and municipal customers, and now the general public from December 23.
The vehicle was launched for select corporate and municipal customers in December last year. All vehicles will be offered via lease contracts from Toyota vehicle dealers and Toyota Rental & Lease Agencies throughout Japan.
The C+pod is an environmentally-friendly two-seater battery electric vehicle (BEV). This little electric car also comes with a relatively low price tag, with prices starting from ¥1,650,000 in Japan (£10,800/$14,440/€12,750), which could help encourage the transition to cleaner driving.
The C+pod is smaller than a mini-vehicle and has been designed as a mobility option for a diverse group of daily users who frequently travel short distances with few passengers. This might include young, single new drivers, older individuals or as a second car.
Toyota says that the C+pod has been well received by customers who have used it, especially for its ease of handling, environmental friendliness, and a full range of safety and security features despite its ultra-compact body.
The Japanese carmaker are now ready to deliver the C+pod to a wider range of customers, so have decided to expand the sales target to all customers nationwide.
The lease agreement enables casual C+pod use while also ensuring comprehensive vehicle collection with proactive 3R (reduce, re-use, recycle) initiatives for the onboard batteries. This is part of Toyota’s goal of achieving a carbon neutral mobility society.
The C+pod features a rear-mounted electric motor that is powered by a 9.1 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the floor. This delivers a top speed of 37mph (60kph) making it ideal for around town use. It offers a range of up to 93 miles (150km). It can be charged at Toyota dealers with G-Charge stations along with other regular charge points.
It would be good to see the C+pod arrive in Europe and the USA. It would be perfect for big city use where smaller electric cars make sense for so many applications. Plus, if prices were similar to Japan, we’re sure it would help overcome the price hurdle that many struggle with when it comes to owning an electric car.
