Toyota introduces production ready iQ EV
Developed in parallel with the company's pioneering full Hybrid (HV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Fuel Cell (FCV) vehicles, the production ready iQEV represents Toyota's long-term vision for short range sustainable mobility.
The company's readily adaptable Hybrid Synergy Drive platform serves as the core technology for all of its advanced powertrain applications, based on specific usage patterns: EV for city driving, PHEV for city/mid distance use, HV for mid distance driving and FCV for long distance use.
Three generations of FT-EV concept have been produced so far, making their respective world debuts at the Detroit Motor Show and the Tokyo Motor Show of 2009 and 2011. The iQ EV is a production version of those concepts, incorporating the technological and design strengths of all three models. It represents the installation of an all-electric powertrain within a Toyota iQ package, combining the ultimate in compact city car agility with zero emissions and the easy, silent driving of a fully electric vehicle for up to four passengers.
Concept
The iQ EV has been specifically designed as a city commuting vehicle for use in an urban environment.
In the interests of weight saving, packaging and charging times, that range had to be realised with the lowest practical battery capacity. Power efficiency therefore became the key development goal, focusing on a combination of lightweight design and the lowest possible power consumption.
In an EV, the power consumption of the air conditioning system takes up a very high percentage of the total available battery power. To counteract this, the iQ EV features a low power consumption heat pump air conditioning system, allied to seat heater fitted as standard to directly warm occupants, and a new Heated Windscreen Defroster (HWD) system to clear the screen without the aid of the air conditioning system.
A lower battery capacity also translates into a shorter charging time. Not only can the iQ EV be fully recharged in approximately three hours, but also, via Fast Charging, its battery can be recharged up to 80% capacity in only 15 minutes, significantly enhancing the convenience and practicality of the new Toyota EV.
Packaging
At 3,120 mm overall, the new iQ EV is just 135 mm longer than a standard iQ, sharing the latter's overall width of 1,680 mm, height of 1,505 mm and 2,000 mm wheelbase. A minimum turning circle of just 4.1 metres offers excellent urban manoeuvrability.
Because the zero emission EV has no requirement for an exhaust system, the newly developed, flat, highly compact lithium-ion battery pack has been mounted within a high strength steel cradle beneath the cabin floor.
This packaging solution has three key benefits: it offers no compromise to either loadspace or passenger accommodation for four; it equips the iQ EV with a low centre of gravity and ideal weight distribution for stability and urban agility; and it allows for the creation of an entirely flat vehicle underbody, maximising aerodynamic performance and, hence, power efficiency.
Aerodynamics
The iQ EV features numerous aerodynamic enhancements in the interests of maximising power efficiency. Grille openings have been reduced to a minimum and the bonnet upper surface shaped to optimise airflow over the front of the vehicle. The A-pillar moulding width has been increased, the roof rear edge angled, and the rear pillar, quarter window glass and moulding shaped to help air flow separation over the top and sides of the vehicle.
The front fender wheel opening has been aerodynamically shaped, front and rear wheel spats added in three locations and even the iQ EV-unique aluminium wheel cap design itself has been aerodynamically styled to optimise the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle, minimising turbulence.
Standard equipment
Helping to maximise power efficiency, the iQ EV features a low power consumption, electric heat pump air conditioning system. The system has been designed to prioritise EV driving range.
In addition, the iQ EV benefits from a particularly generous standard equipment package, which includes a Smart Entry & Start System, a 6-speaker audio system and Hill Start Assist.
Despite being the world's smallest fourseater EV, the new iQ EV is a equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced safety features, including VSC and nine airbags; two front, two side, one driver's knee, one passenger front seat cushion, two curtain shield and one rear window curtain shield airbags.
? Words and image: quickpic.co.za
The company's readily adaptable Hybrid Synergy Drive platform serves as the core technology for all of its advanced powertrain applications, based on specific usage patterns: EV for city driving, PHEV for city/mid distance use, HV for mid distance driving and FCV for long distance use.
Three generations of FT-EV concept have been produced so far, making their respective world debuts at the Detroit Motor Show and the Tokyo Motor Show of 2009 and 2011. The iQ EV is a production version of those concepts, incorporating the technological and design strengths of all three models. It represents the installation of an all-electric powertrain within a Toyota iQ package, combining the ultimate in compact city car agility with zero emissions and the easy, silent driving of a fully electric vehicle for up to four passengers.
Concept
The iQ EV has been specifically designed as a city commuting vehicle for use in an urban environment.
In the interests of weight saving, packaging and charging times, that range had to be realised with the lowest practical battery capacity. Power efficiency therefore became the key development goal, focusing on a combination of lightweight design and the lowest possible power consumption.
In an EV, the power consumption of the air conditioning system takes up a very high percentage of the total available battery power. To counteract this, the iQ EV features a low power consumption heat pump air conditioning system, allied to seat heater fitted as standard to directly warm occupants, and a new Heated Windscreen Defroster (HWD) system to clear the screen without the aid of the air conditioning system.
A lower battery capacity also translates into a shorter charging time. Not only can the iQ EV be fully recharged in approximately three hours, but also, via Fast Charging, its battery can be recharged up to 80% capacity in only 15 minutes, significantly enhancing the convenience and practicality of the new Toyota EV.
Packaging
At 3,120 mm overall, the new iQ EV is just 135 mm longer than a standard iQ, sharing the latter's overall width of 1,680 mm, height of 1,505 mm and 2,000 mm wheelbase. A minimum turning circle of just 4.1 metres offers excellent urban manoeuvrability.
Because the zero emission EV has no requirement for an exhaust system, the newly developed, flat, highly compact lithium-ion battery pack has been mounted within a high strength steel cradle beneath the cabin floor.
This packaging solution has three key benefits: it offers no compromise to either loadspace or passenger accommodation for four; it equips the iQ EV with a low centre of gravity and ideal weight distribution for stability and urban agility; and it allows for the creation of an entirely flat vehicle underbody, maximising aerodynamic performance and, hence, power efficiency.
Aerodynamics
The iQ EV features numerous aerodynamic enhancements in the interests of maximising power efficiency. Grille openings have been reduced to a minimum and the bonnet upper surface shaped to optimise airflow over the front of the vehicle. The A-pillar moulding width has been increased, the roof rear edge angled, and the rear pillar, quarter window glass and moulding shaped to help air flow separation over the top and sides of the vehicle.
The front fender wheel opening has been aerodynamically shaped, front and rear wheel spats added in three locations and even the iQ EV-unique aluminium wheel cap design itself has been aerodynamically styled to optimise the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle, minimising turbulence.
Standard equipment
Helping to maximise power efficiency, the iQ EV features a low power consumption, electric heat pump air conditioning system. The system has been designed to prioritise EV driving range.
In addition, the iQ EV benefits from a particularly generous standard equipment package, which includes a Smart Entry & Start System, a 6-speaker audio system and Hill Start Assist.
Despite being the world's smallest fourseater EV, the new iQ EV is a equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced safety features, including VSC and nine airbags; two front, two side, one driver's knee, one passenger front seat cushion, two curtain shield and one rear window curtain shield airbags.
? Words and image: quickpic.co.za
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