In today’s SUV-obsessed world, Toyota has found a cure for car obesity: the FT-Me. It makes the iQ look like a giant by comparison—heck, it’s even smaller than Japan’s kei cars. This oddly angular contraption is a pint-sized EV built for the urban jungle. At less than 2.5 meters (98.4 inches) long, it’s even shorter than the original Smart ForTwo. Toyota claims it’s so tiny that it takes up only half of a parking space.
The dinky electric hatchback features a solar roof that harnesses the sun’s energy to juice the battery. On a sunny day, the FT-Me can gain enough charge for 19 miles (30 kilometers) of range. However, Toyota has not disclosed the battery’s size or the car’s maximum range. This Gundam-styled EV has a generous greenhouse for such a small car, but we’re certain the quirky styling isn’t for everyone.
Photo by: Toyota
Toyota says the FT-Me has been engineered to be legally driven by teenagers as young as 14 in some European countries. That suggests a production version would be classified as a quadricycle, much like Stellantis’ triplets: the Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks-e, and Fiat Topolino. According to the European Union’s legislation, these four-wheeled microcars must not exceed eight horsepower (six kilowatts) and 937 pounds (425 kilograms) in weight. Additionally, top speed is limited to 28 mph (45 km/h).
The FT-Me rides on 14-inch, vinyl-like wheels wrapped in skinny 185/60 R14 tires. It has some of the shortest overhangs we have ever seen, along with side cameras instead of conventional mirrors. The headlights and taillights sit unusually high in relation to the body and seemingly have an identical design. Although we mentioned that the windows are large, it looks as though only a small section opens.
We’ll add interior images once they become available, but Toyota mentions that the FT-Me is designed to accommodate drivers with disabilities. It features hand controls on the steering wheel for acceleration and braking, eliminating the need for pedals. As a result, the car requires no aftermarket modifications to be wheelchair-accessible. Another Japanese automaker, Mazda, has a similar approach, engineering the Miata to be enjoyed by people in wheelchairs.
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Toyota hasn’t revealed whether it plans to sell the diminutive EV, but it brags about how it’s less harmful to the environment than the typical electric car. The FT-Me consumes three times less energy per kilometer than a conventional EV and has a 90% lower carbon footprint by extensively using recycled materials. If it’s coming to Europe, the model will slot below the Aygo X, the smallest gas car Toyota sells on the continent.
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