Toyota seeks feedback on i-Road on how to expand the parking and charging network

In July, Toyota will take the next step toward realising the full potential of the i-Road ultra-compact EV concept by launching the Open Road Project in Tokyo.

To encourage the practical, convenient and fun use of the i-Road on city streets, Toyota will seek creative input and feedback from both specialist companies and members of the public focusing on two key areas: finding convenient parking and encouraging customisation.

Convenient parking

Two key strengths of the i-Road are its compact size and its ability to be charged from a standard 100V electrical outlet.

By working with parking lot operators and commercial property owners in central Tokyo, Toyota will capitalise on these strengths by identifying small, unused spaces with access to plug sockets that could be utilised for i-Road parking and charging.

Feedback will be collected for analysis on how to expand the parking and charging network.

Encouraging customisation

Toyota aims to make the i-Road a thoroughly unique personal mobility experience by supporting the use of custom parts. Project participants will be able to express themselves by 3D-printing body parts with colors and surface designs of their choosing.

Toyota will provide 10 i-Road vehicles to a total of 100 participants—from ordinary members of the public to experts and trendsetters—for roughly a month each. Overall, the project will run for approximately a year.

To be continued