Still at the prototype stage, the iQ Electric Vehicle borrows components from Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system as used in the Auris Hybrid and, of course, the Prius.
The iQ EV’s flat lithium-ion battery is stored under the floor, so that no passenger or luggage space is lost. Clever packaging, perhaps, but making the battery small also means that the iQ EV will only travel a paltry 65 miles (105 kilometres) between recharges.
Considering that other small electric cars such as the Think City manage 100 miles (160 kilometres), the Toyota doesn’t exactly advance the genre a great deal.
Testing of the iQ EV is due to continue during 2011, ahead of a customer leasing programme in 2012. And no, there isn’t any word on whether Aston Martin is considering battery power for its iQ-based Cygnet.
Related posts:
Think launches City van
£40k for iQ-based Cygnet
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