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2011 Geneva Auto Show: Toyota IQ EV Preview

 
1,413 views Feb 15, 2011
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2011 Toyota iQ

2011 Toyota iQ

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Until last spring, Toyota had never seemed that keen on producing an all-electric car, claiming battery technology just wasn’t ready for an all-electric car - despite having produced an all electric crossover SUV back in the late 1990s.  

Since then however, things have changed a lot. Not only has the Japanese automaker announced a plan to produce a modern take on its iconic RAV4 EV with electric sports car maker Tesla, but it will be unveiling an all electric version of its minuscule IQ city car at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. 

According to Toyota, the 3+1 EV prototype will feature a powertrain based on toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system as found in the 2011 Toyota Prius, but without the gasoline engine. 

The iQ is Toyota’s smallest car. With dimensions barely longer than the Smart ForTwo, it isn’t a car for the claustrophobic. What it does offer however, is an alternative vehicle for young families needing a round-town runabout. 

2011 Toyota iQ

2011 Toyota iQ

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Toyota claim the iQ EV will feature an all-new flat lithium-ion battery pack capable of giving it a range of up to 65 miles per charge. Toyota hasn’t detailed speed yet, but we wouldn’t expect it to be a fun vehicle to drive outside of the city limits. 

The iQ isn’t cheap either. At $16,089 for the gasoline version in Europe it is priced as a niche market vehicle rather than an affordable runabout.  In fact, it starts at the same price as the iQ’s much larger sibling, the five seat Yaris hatchback. 

That said, Toyota is reportedly planning that the price of the iQ EV will be lower than its Japanese rivals, the much larger 2011 Nissan Leaf and 2012 Mitsubishi i. 

2011 Toyota iQ

2011 Toyota iQ

Enlarge Photo

Current plans for the vehicle include a series of European test vehicles this year, followed by a leasing program through 2012. Toyota insists it will bring the iQ EV to the U.S., although just like the 2011 Smart ForTwo we’re not sure just how many consumers will fall for its diminutive size.

Love it or hate it? Here’s one final thought to help you make up your mind. The Toyota iQ is sold to Aston Martin, which transforms it into the oh-so-expensive Cygnet city car.

An Aston Martin rebadged luxury city EV. Now that’s something we’d like to see. 

[Automotive News] (Subscription Required) 





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Comments (4)

  1. MichaelThwaite avatar Michael Thwaite Posted: 2/16/2011 5:03am PST

    Having driven one, I think it's a better Smart than a Smart, the rear seats do work for modest trips and the ride, whilst a little choppy due to the short wheel base is agreeable.
    The weight of a battery underneath might have a damping effect that raises the cars ride quality. Can't wait to see it but it needs 100 mile range IMO.
     
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  2. By Noel Park Posted: 2/16/2011 9:10am PST

    Cute, but no Toyotas for me.
     
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  3. fb_1472763299 avatar Linda Nicholes Posted: 2/16/2011 10:38pm PST

    Ah, Toyota, why don't you just bite the bullet, forget niche "around-the-town" teensy little EVs and go for the real thing. I have been driving not one, but two of your Toyota RAV4 EVs for ten years now. Those "cross-over" SUVs were and continue to be great! Why are you messing around with city cars like this now all these years later? Your caution absolutely does not become you, Toyota. Please accept that highway-capable electric cars are here to stay in a big and lasting way. Don't get left in the corporate dust. As a major automaker you are capable of so much more and have proven that in the past. Hopefully you will prove it again with your Tesla Motors collaboration. Teensy, limited-range and limited-power neighborhood electric vehicles like this give real world, highway capable plug-in cars a bad name by playing into old urban legends about electric cars that no longer apply.
     
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  4. dgate avatar Don Gatewood Posted: 4/14/2012 11:46am PDT

    Linda I happen to own an IQ and welcome the EV version even if you don't. I also run a Prius but find the little nipper is used for a big percentage of our short runs especially in town. There is a whole big world outside America in which these little cars thrive for one reason or another.I always find when people are negative about the micro cars they have never used one to find how practical and fun they can be.In case you don't know the IQ EV is not a neighborhood electric vehicle and it will likely lead to a full EV from Toyota. Meanwhile there are several to choose from so instead of attacking the little fellows which some of us like put your money down.
     
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