Toyota's i-ROAD concept showcased at Geneva

A cross between a two-wheeler and a small car, the i-ROAD concept model was unveiled by Toyota at the Geneva Motor Show 2013. The i-ROAD is a compact, all-electric, three-wheeled personal mobility vehicle (PMV) with a comfortable, enclosed two-seater cabin.

The vehicles is enabled with the Toyota’s  new ‘active lean’ technology which automatically enables the vehicle to balance when cornering or travelling over stepped surfaces. This new technology uses a lean actuator and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the left and right front wheels.

It has an Electronic Controller Unit (ECU that calculates the required degree of lean based on steering angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information. The system automatically moves the wheels up and down in opposite directions, applying the lean angle to counterbalance the centrifugal force of cornering.

This system also operates while driving the vehicle in a straight line or over stepped surfaces, where the actuator automatically balances if any changes in the road. The driving range is up to approximately 48 km after which the battery can be fully recharged from a domestic power supply in three hours.

The three-wheel i-ROAD measures 2,350mm long and 1,445mm high and has a 1,700mm wheelbase. It has zero-emissions, and its all-electric powertrain uses a lithium-ion battery to power two 2kW motors mounted in the front wheels, allowing quick acceleration and smooth running.

Since the driver does not need to put his or her feet down on the road at any time, the i-ROAD avails an option where it can be fitted with a safe weatherproof closed body which means no helmets. Now that’s something Indians are going to love knowing that we have numerous riders without their helmets on our roads, plus a closed body definitely keeps the driver away from pollution in the metros.

While the i-ROAD still remains a concept of a personal mobility vehicle, should a production ready model be launched it will definitely have a demand in urban India.