(October 18, 2012) DENVER — Toyota this week announced the arrival of the 2013 Scion iQ EV in the U.S. The iQ EV is a battery- electric 4-seater city commuter car designed for car-sharing programs, in urban and campus environments. 

"Toyota believes battery-electric vehicles have the potential to play a role in future mobility strategies," says Chris Hostetter, group vice president of strategic planning at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

"Up to now, cost and convenience issues have limited BEV's appeal with a broad consumer market.  Toyota developed the iQ EV specifically as a city commuter, for use in an urban environment, where driving distances are likely to be short, charging opportunities numerous, and its compact proportions beneficial."

The iQ EV features Toyota's newly developed high-output lithium-ion battery which delivers a world-class electric power consumption rate of 104 Wh/km in an ultra-compact and lightweight package.  In ideal stop and go driving conditions, the 12 kWh battery provides an estimated range of up to 50 miles on a full charge. 

The vehicle can be fully charged in approximately 3 hours at 240V.  Its 78-inch wheel base and 13.5 foot turning radius makes the iQ EV highly maneuverable in congested areas where streets are narrow and parking is at a premium.

"Approximately 90 iQ EVs will be available for fleet and car-sharing applications," said Hostetter.  "These programs will further expand Toyota's comprehensive portfolio of advanced technology vehicles which includes the recently-released RAV4 EV, the Prius Family of gas-electric hybrid vehicles, including the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the FCHV-Adv (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle-Advanced)." 

Details on individual iQ EV program partners will be announced in the coming weeks.

Maximum output from the drivetrain is 47 kW (63 hp) with a maximum torque of 120 lbs.-ft.  In S range the iQ EV accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 13.4 seconds, and from 30 to 50 mph in 7 seconds.  Its top speed is 78 mph.