Toyota is presenting new electrified vehicle and mobility concepts and technologies at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo this week (26 October to 5 November). The world debuts range from a battery electric interpretation of the Land Cruiser SUV to a space buggy prototype designed for driving on the moon
Land Cruiser Se
The Land Cruiser Se offers the high-torque driving characteristics of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) together with an elegant and stylish design. The model’s established appeal is enhanced with a three-row interior, meeting the needs of a wider customer base.
The quietness of the BEV powertrain helps create a comfortable cabin environment when driving on-road. A monocoque body gives highly responsive handling and confidence when tackling tough terrain.
Outline specifications
| Length (mm) | 5,150 |
| Width (mm) | 1,990 |
| Height (mm) | 1,705 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,050 |
| Passenger capacity | 7 |
EPU
EPU is a next generation, mid-size pickup truck concept with a monocoque body that offers a durable and practical yet stylish BEV proposition. The double cab model measures just more than five metres long. Its monocoque structure allows for a versatile deck space that caters for a wide range of user applications.
The rear of the cabin links with the deck space, supporting use for different mobility lifestyles and outdoor activities. The BEV powertrain is quiet and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity contributes to handling stability and ride comfort.
Outline specifications
| Length (mm) | 5,070 |
| Width (mm) | 1,910 |
| Height (mm) | 1,710 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,350 |
| Passenger capacity | 5 |
Land Hopper
The Land Hopper is a three-wheeled personal mobility concept with two front wheels. Its foldable design makes for easy storage, even in cars with limited boot space. Combined with a car, it can expand travel opportunities, for example when touring trip destinations.
In Japan, it’s designed as a vehicle that can be ridden by adults without a driving licence, so could help support independence in later life for older people who choose to give up their car licence. Its compact size and low seat height make reaching the ground and getting on and off the seat easier. It is highly manoeuvrable and has a lean mechanism which allows the front wheels to move up and down, giving an intuitive and enjoyable ride, unlike any car or bicycle.
Outline specifications
| Length (mm) | 1,355 |
| Width (mm) | 600 |
| Height (mm) | 930 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,020 |
| Passenger capacity | 1 |
JUU
JUU is a new electric wheelchair concept that combines style and drivability. It is designed to offer the freedom of travel anywhere, unassisted. JUU expands the user’s world by enabling them to freely navigate places that are difficult to access in electric or conventional wheelchairs.
When climbing or descending staircases, the two main powered wheels traverse the steps, while a retractable tail flips down from behind the backrest to stabilise the chair and prevent tipping. JUU can negotiate steps up to 16cm in height.
The drive system uses motors like those found in cars. Using automotive components helps ensure high quality and reliability.
Toyota is also exploring advanced functions that would enable JUU to move autonomously and load itself into the back of a car after the user has entered the vehicle, and return to alongside the driver’s seat when the user wants to alight.
Outline specifications
| Length (mm) | 1,110 |
| Width (mm) | 680 |
| Height (mm) | 1,040 |
Space mobility (prototype)
Toyota’s space mobility prototype is an experimental vehicle created to advance development of drive system technologies appropriate for use on the moon or in outer space. Specifications to provide safe and reliable driving in rugged and unforgiving extraterrestrial environments include each wheel having its own motor and steering control.
The vehicle is electric powered and capable of traversing boulders up to 50cm tall. It can climb slopes with gradients of up to 25 degrees. The technology honed with this prototype will be used in space mobility vehicles such as the Lunar Cruiser.
Outline specifications
| Length (mm) | 3,460 |
| Width (mm) | 2,175 |
| Height (mm) | 1,865 |
| Passenger capacity | 2 |
| Maximum ascent incline (deg) | 25 |
NEO Steer
NEO Steer is a new cockpit concept inspired by motorcycle handlebars which integrates the functions of the accelerator and brake pedals into the steering wheel.
The steering wheel’s irregular profile creates a sweeping field of vision and the removal of the pedal controls opens up the floor space to give an unrestricted driving position and smooth entry and exit. Its design will support mobility for all and offer safe and intuitive hand-operated driving for people with lower limb impairments.
