Toyota ME.WE concept

Toyota and leading European industrial designer Jean-Marie Massaud have developed a new electric car concept, dubbed the ME.WE.

Developed at Toyota's ED2, Massaud and Toyota wanted the ME.WE – named after personal wellbeing and that of others – to be adaptable to suit a range of lifestyles while being high quality. It also had to "propose an alternative synthesis based on personal choices about vehicle architecture, lower running costs and the way the vehicle will be used". As well as being attractive it should appeal to forward-thinking people.

The lightweight tubular aluminum structure onto which light, hardwearing and easily personalizable14kg polypropylene panels are fitted reduces the weight to 750kg. The materials used in its production also make it extremely eco-friendly. It shares the same in-wheel motors as the Toyota i-ROAD and houses batteries under the floor as in the iQ electric car. Because of this arrangement, the roomy interior gives the occupants a lot more space and storage space. The floor and horizontal surfaces are made of bamboo because it is renewable and easy to maintain.

Luggage can be stored on the roof under a folding weatherproof neoprene cover, while the rear luggage space folds backwards into a pickup-like platform. The rear bench seat can be folded and stored beneath the front seat and also removed – it can even be used for picnics.

Inside, a screen above the steering wheel displays speed, battery charge, journey information and navigation instructions delivered via a smartphone. The phone is used to control the entire infotainment section as well as the temperature.

Toyota unveiled the ME.WE concept in its Paris showroom – Le Rendez-vous Toyota on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Gallery: Toyota ME.WE concept

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