Toyota unveils electric microcar concept

• The FT-Me microcar will consume three times less energy per kilometer than an EV
• The design is based off cars built for the 2021 and 2024 Olympic/Paralympic Games
• A solar panel on the roof provides an extra 20-30km of range per day

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has unveiled concept plans for an electric microcar, the FT-Me, which includes a solar panel on the roof and windows with 360° visibility.

The solar panel means the battery can be charged without having to stop and plug the vehicle into an electric vehicle (EV) charging point.

It can also generate between 20-30km of additional range per day. For those intending on using the EV for short or infrequent journeys, it minimises the need for external charging. 

Get free solar panel quotes

Answer a few quick questions, and our trusted installers will send you bespoke solar panel quotes – for free.

Compare now

The microcar also has an efficient propulsion system, which, combined with the lighter weight of the vehicle means it will consume “three times less energy per kilometer than a high-capacity battery electric car,” according to TME. 

The company’s goal is to achieve 100% carbon reduction in all new vehicles across Western Europe, with the FT-Me microcar contributing to that aim. The targeted completion year is 2035, in line with the UK’s 2035 NDC target.

Credit: Toyota

TME has designed the FT-Me based on its philosophy of ‘Mobility for All’ to achieve its mission of producing ‘Happiness for All’.

It is similar to those developed for the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The goal of the car is to create compact, efficient and accessible transportation in urban areas. 

The car takes up half a parking space, or a third of a space when perpendicular parking is available, at less than three meters in length, and can fit a driver and one passenger. In addition, the passenger seat can fold down for storage space, or to accommodate a wheelchair.

The FT-Me is suitable for new drivers, with individuals as young as 14 years old able to drive the concept microcar in some countries. TME has called it “an affordable, hassle-free entry to all-electric vehicles.”

Credit: Toyota

TME has integrated a sleek design and intuitive controls for an efficient and space-saving layout. The microcar can also connect to smartphones, allowing the owner to open the vehicle with their phone rather than a physical key. 

Both the interior and exterior are customizable, with the geometric frame inspired by the design of a jet helmet, alongside the stylish black and white colouring. It embraces recycled materials and TME aims for a 90% reduction in carbon footprint in contrast to today’s diesel/ fuel vehicles. 

Written by

Louise Frohlich Editorial Assistant

Louise joined The Eco Experts as Editorial Assistant in April 2024. She is a talented artist who has a keen interest in solutions that lead to a more environmentally-friendly future.

Louise graduated from the University of Winchester in 2022 and went on to write for The Eco Experts sister site, Expert Reviews. She has taken part in charity expeditions to Ecuador and Uganda to help build water pipes, promote environmental cleanup initiatives and implement sustainable farming techniques. She now uses her knowledge to help readers make more eco-friendly choices.

Alongside her passion for the environment she enjoys theatre, portraiture and Egyptology.

More about

Reviewed By

Maximilian Schwerdtfeger Content Manager

Max joined The Eco Experts as content manager in February 2024. He has written about sustainability issues across numerous industries, including maritime, supply chain, finance, mining, and retail. He has also written extensively for consumer titles like City AM, The Morning Star, and The Daily Express.

In 2020, he covered in detail the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) legislation on sulphur emissions and its effects on the global container shipping market as online editor of Port Technology International.

He also explored the initiatives major container ports and terminals have launched in order to ship vital goods across the world without polluting the environment.

Since then, he has reported heavily on the impact made by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices on the supply chain of minerals, with a particular focus on rare earth mining in Africa.

As part of this, in 2022 Max visited mines and ports in Angola to hone in on the challenges being faced by one of the world’s biggest producers of rare earth minerals.

His most recent sustainability-related work came much closer to home, as he investigated the eco-challenges faced by independent retailers in the UK, specifically looking at how they can cut emissions and continue to thrive.

Max lives in South London and is an avid reader of books on modern history and ghost stories. He has also recently learned to play the game Mahjong and takes every opportunity to do so. He is also yet to find a sport he doesn’t enjoy watching.

More about