(November 16, 2011) Toyota is using the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show to reinforce its position as an environmental technology leader with three concept cars, one near future, one mid term and one way out there.

Near Future…

Based on the Toyota iQ, the FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III) is a 4-seater electric vehicle concept suitable for short-distance trips.  

Toyota is developing EV technology with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012.  Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 65 miles on a fully charged battery (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).

Because it has a smaller battery than electric-car rivals such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i, the FT-EV III can recharge its battery in about half the time, Toyota says. That comes to about three to four hours under a 200-volt system, compared with eight hours for the Leaf, Toyota says.

...mid term…

The FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle — Reality & Revolution) concept, measuring 4.7 meters in length, is a practical, family sized vehicle fueled by hydrogen. This concept model represents the next step towards the commercial launch of a Toyota fuel cell vehicle by 2015.

With the fuel-cell unit located beneath the specially designed body shell, the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers and boasts impressive luggage space.  The fuel cell stack, with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 430 miles (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).

… and far out!

The Toyota Fun-Vii ( Fun-Vehicle interactive internet) concept heralds Toyota’s vision of a future where people, cars and society are linked.

Press days for the Tokyo Motor Show are Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.