Toyota Pull The Eq!

[DFish]

So it appears that Toyota are not going to introduce the eQ model due to poor Battery performance (in general not just Toyota) and there being no real market demand.

http://www.reghardware.com/2012/09/24/toyota_kills_eq_city_ev_mass_launch/

Fish

[Guest]

So it appears that Toyota are not going to introduce the eQ model due to poor battery performance (in general not just Toyota) and there being no real market demand.

http://www.reghardwa...ev_mass_launch/

Fish

Well Dan, you have to agree with the guy. He's right and at least will admit it, unlike some other manufacturers who keep goading us on to buy Electric. I read yesterday that Vauxhall/GM are making a £30,000 loss (in the US, £20,000 in the UK) on the Chevy Volt - Vuaxhall/Opel Ampera. So I can see why, with the cost of the Battery technology used in those cars, Toyota won't bother with the eQ. Still, pedestrians will be happy, one less car they won't be knocked over by as they can't be bothered to actually look before they cross the road.

[DFish]

My biggest concern is the live of the Battery cell (as in years) over miles and costs for replacing and recycling. There's no real plan in place by the car companies. :(

Fish

[tarquin]

The other thing with electric cars is re-sale value. Very difficult unless testing stations are in place that you can take your car to, to get a certificate stating the condition of the batteries at the point of Re-sale. Nobody wants to buy a car and a short time later being hit with a £5k bill for Battery replacement

David

[Guest]

Must agree with you both, Dan and David, about the issue of 'what lies down the line' for potential second hand buyers with Battery powered cars. I think some kind of scheme like Renault do, with leasing the batteries, is a better way to go in the short term, until the tech gets more reliable and they give more miles per charge. I saw a report on the Renault scheme where they showed drop off and pick up points for Battery packs. It was like a fossil fuel car going into a garage to get fuel, only the batteries are removed before they are fully drained and replaced with a fully charged set. This way, Renault -or the company dealing with the batteries- gets to keep an eye on Battery maintenance too, so those no longer holding a decent percentage of the original charge they would have held when new, would be sent off for refurbishment or dismantling and recycling where possible.

I think at the moment, unless more is invested in Hydrogen fuel and more importantly its production process, the Ampera/Volt range extender technology seems to give the best of both worlds, at least until we can't afford petrol any more.

[tarquin]

Ha and also if the EQ had a fuel gauge similar to the iQ , you would suddenly be dead in the middle of the motorway as your fuel indicated full then 12 pico seconds later you were showing 1/4. They havent got that right yet. And my guess is with electric power its not going to be linear, more of a , constant then sudden avalanche without too much warning leading to constant paranoia Finding re-charge stations or whatever the method. So nearly every journey will have to be planed. Including waiting time for recharge/ Battery change. For me that would be totally impractical.

David

[Guest]

So it appears that Toyota are not going to introduce the eQ model due to poor battery performance (in general not just Toyota) and there being no real market demand.

http://www.reghardwa...ev_mass_launch/

Fish

Now this is interesting...

http://www.netcarshow.com/toyota/2013-iq_ev/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NetCarShowUpdates+%28NetCarShow.com+Updates%29

The iQ EV for 2013

[DFish]

Looking at the picture of the charging point, I think they could have at least hidden it under the central Badge.

Fish

[Dark Matter]

TWO cup holders .... TWO

You have no idea how many problems that would solve!

[tarquin]

i like it because its blue Dash is blue and a change of satnav to TNS 350

David

[tarquin]

looking at it front on it looks like a cat not the smiley face you see now , Anyone know how long a full charge time is i just can't see people pulling up to a charge point in the winter and sitting there freezing to death.

Savid

[Mr Jones]

Savid (lol!)

Apparently fast charge is 15mins, 80% full... or so I managed to read and absorb after countless of articles flashing up on Google about the new eQ... I do like this but the charm of the iQ seems... 'lost' for the lack of a better word. Plus, the sensible in me is thinking when my car finishes PCP in 2.5 years time, I'll need to upgrade to something bigger... like the Yaris Hybrid!

[Guest]

From the blurb about this neat little electrickery motor. WARNING- This is a lot to read, get comfy. See below-

'The Toyota iQ EV has been specifically designed as a city commuting vehicle for use in an urban environment.

In the interests of weight saving, packaging and charging times, that range had to be realised with the lowest practical Battery capacity. Power efficiency therefore became the key development goal, focusing on a combination of lightweight design and the lowest possible power consumption.

In an EV, the power consumption of the air conditioning system takes up a very high percentage of the total available Battery power. To counteract this, the Toyota iQ EV features a low power consumption heat pump air conditioning system, allied to seat heater fitted as standard to directly warm occupants, and a new Heated Windscreen Defroster (HWD) system to clear the screen without the aid of the air conditioning system.

A lower Battery capacity also translates into a shorter charging time. Not only can the Toyota iQ EV be fully recharged in approximately three hours, but also, via Fast Charging, its battery can be recharged up to 80% capacity in only 15 minutes, significantly enhancing the convenience and practicality of the new Toyota EV.

Packaging

At 3,120 mm overall, the new Toyota iQ EV is just 135 mm longer than a standard iQ, sharing the latter's overall width of 1,680 mm, height of 1,505 mm and 2,000 mm wheelbase. A minimum turning circle of just 4.1 metres offers excellent urban manoeuvrability.

Because the zero emission EV has no requirement for an exhaust system, the newly developed, flat, highly compact lithium-ion battery pack has been mounted within a high strength steel cradle beneath the cabin floor.

This packaging solution has three key benefits: it offers no compromise to either loadspace or passenger accommodation for four; it equips the Toyota iQ EV with a low centre of gravity and ideal weight distribution for stability and urban agility; and it allows for the creation of an entirely flat vehicle underbody, maximising aerodynamic performance and, hence, power efficiency.

Minimising the weight increase caused by the installation of the lithium-ion battery pack, high tensile sheet steel has been extensively used in the body Shell construction, combining lightweight with high rigidity. As a result, the Toyota iQ EV weighs just 125 kg more than a standard iQ (1.3L, CVT)

High body rigidity not only improves vehicle stability and handling agility, it is also instrumental in the suppression of vibration. As a result, and in conjunction with extensive sound proofing throughout the bodyshell and cabin, the new iQ EV offers occupants the remarkably quiet exterior appropriate to an all-electric driving experience.

Exterior Design

Based on the FT-EV III concept shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the new iQ EV exterior is hallmarked by unique styling details and the strong use of two-tone, White Pearl and Black colour to create a simple, bold design which instantly identifies the new Toyota as a highly advanced, all-electric evolution of the company's renowned city car.

To the front, a smooth, simple surface structure sees the removal of the upper grille and its replacement with a charging port lid to one side of the Toyota Badge. The port lid itself has been positioned at the very front of the vehicle for maximum ease of charging cable connection within a wide range of urban parking scenarios.

Adhering to the design principles of all latest generation Toyota vehicles, the lower bumper adopts trapezoidal, Under Priority character lines and an enlarged lower grille with a gloss black finish. The grille incorporates Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) to reinforce the new Toyota EV's unique visual signature.

A new headlamp design incorporates gloss black, side extension battery cooling air inlets, whilst the interior of the projector halogen headlamp housings has also been finished in black to further strengthen the EV's visual differentiation from a standard iQ.

To the side, the black upper surfaces of the two-tone colour scheme and the blacked out B pillar emphasise the new Toyota iQ EV's sleek profile, whilst new, aluminium wheels with two-tone wheel caps reinforce the vehicle's unique, all-electric credentials.

The rear design features a black tailgate and a new, LED combination lamp design above a trapezoidal license plate mounting area within the bumper, both harmonising with the front Under Priority styling and reinforcing the iQ EV's broad, stable stance.

Aerodynamics

The iQ EV features numerous aerodynamic enhancements in the interests of maximising power efficiency. Grille openings have been reduced to a minimum and the bonnet upper surface shaped to optimise airflow over the front of the vehicle. The A pillar moulding width has been increased, the roof rear edge angled, and the rear pillar, quarter window glass and moulding shaped to help air flow separation over the top and sides of the vehicle.

The front fender wheel opening has been aerodynamically shaped, front and rear wheel spats added in three locations and even the Toyota iQ EV-unique aluminium wheel cap design itself has been aerodynamically styled to optimise the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle, minimising turbulence. Comprehensive underbody covers allied to the underside of the battery pack create a flat underfloor surface, further enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the new Toyota.

EV-Unique Interior Design Features

As with the exterior design, the iQ EV's interior is finished in a bold, high contrast, black and white colour scheme. The meter hood, centre console, rear console upper surface, steering wheel horn pad, passenger side dashboard ornamentation and door trim grip and shoulder panels are all finished in white to reflect the vehicle's uniquely clean, all-electric credentials.

EV-unique, partial leather seat upholstery also features contrasting black and white finishes; the seat and headrest sides in white, central areas in a dark, plug-in-theme patterned fabric with bluish-grey and white stitching.

Exclusive, premium-feel detailing includes light coloured accents to the rear console and door trim grip cover surrounds, the door handle itself, and the instrument binnacle hood.

The Toyota iQ EV features an exclusive driver's instrument binnacle with Optitron metres styled to resemble electrical componentry such as a generator turbine and printed circuitry. It incorporates a central speedometer with EV System Indicator-linked changing colour illumination, a 3.5" TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information display, a compact, high contrast LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a plug-in indicator.

The 3.5" TFT screen displays a comprehensive variety of vehicle information. Its easy-to-read default setting shows only the basic information the driver needs; driving range, state of charge and, through the EV System Indicator, output/regeneration status.

In addition, the display may be switched through seven further screens; average/instant power consumption, post charge power consumption, electrical equipment usage information, driving range, total average vehicle speed/total driving time, EV battery information and settings.

Located at the base of the centre console and finished in blue to match the ornamentation of the EV system start/stop button and shift knob, a further cluster of four, EV-related switches control the front and rear screen defrost functions, the charging timer start function and the charging port lid opener.

Standard Equipment

Helping to maximise power efficiency, the iQ EV features a low power consumption, electric heat pump air conditioning system. The system has been designed to prioritise EV driving range.

It is allied to front seat heaters -fitted as standard- to directly warm occupants, a windscreen-mounted humidity sensor to help the system control the internal/external air mixture to minimise screen fogging, and a new Heated Windscreen Defroster (HWD) system to clear the screen without the aid of the air conditioning system. Pressing a MAX mode switch activates maximum heating or cooling performance when required.

The new Toyota EV is also equipped with a Remote Climate Control System. This allows the air conditioning to be remotely activated with the key when the vehicle is plugged in and charging. By reducing on board temperature extremes through remote activation of the system when the iQ EV is plugged in, air conditioning power consumption whilst driving is significantly reduced, extending driving range.

In addition, the Toyota iQ EV benefits from a particularly generous standard equipment package, which includes a Smart Entry & Start System, a 6-speaker audio system and Hill Start Assist.

Despite being the world's smallest four-seater EV, the new iQ EV is a equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced safety features, including VSC and nine airbags; two front, two side, one driver's knee, one passenger front seat cushion, two curtain shield and one rear window curtain shield airbags.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

The new Toyota iQ EV combines compact city car agility with zero emissions and the easy, silent driving style of a fully electric vehicle.

Its small, 4.1 metre turning circle gives it excellent manoeuvrability in the urban environment, and the position of the battery pack beneath the vehicle floor creates a low centre of gravity and ideal front/rear weight distribution for excellent ride comfort and agile, engaging handling.

A further development of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, the iQ EV's fully electric powertrain comprises an air-cooled, 47 kW electric motor/generator, a 150 cell, a 12.0 kWh, 277.5 V battery pack, a 3 kW water-cooled battery charger, an inverter, an DC/DC converter and a motor speed reduction mechanism.

The motor/generator, planetary gear speed reduction mechanism and torque biasing differential are all housed in a new, ultra-compact, EV-exclusive transaxle, which combines a low centre of gravity with reduced energy losses to minimise power consumption.

Maximum torque of 163 Nm is delivered, from a standstill, to the front wheels, giving the Toyota iQ EV 0-100 km/h acceleration of 14.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 125 km/h.

The new Toyota EV generates zero CO2, NOx or particulate emissions throughout its operation. With a power consumption of 134 Wh/km, this equips the vehicle with an NEDC-certified range of 85 km between charges.

Similar to Toyota's full hybrid vehicles, the iQ EV is equipped with a regenerative braking system. When decelerating with the accelerator pedal released, the rotation of the wheels is transmitted to the motor, which acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity for storage within the battery.

When braking, the amount of energy that is recovered is determined through coordinated control with the electronically controlled brake system, optimising both braking force and energy recovery.

The iQ EV's gate-type gear shift lever offers drivers three driving ranges: D-range controls the vehicle to consume the least amount of power during city driving; S-range increases acceleration performance for brisk driving; and B-range maximises regenerative braking to extend the vehicle's driving range as far as possible.

In addition to the extensive system information provided by the EV System Indicator, an ECO Driving Indicator is also provided, helping drivers maximise the efficiency of the new Toyota EV's all electric powertrain.

Battery Charging

Via an illuminated battery charger inlet conveniently located beneath a discreet, flush-mounted panel at the front of the new Toyota iQ EV, the battery pack can be fully recharged in approximately 3 hours from a standard, 230 V household outlet.

A dedicated rapid charger compliant port is available as an option, enabling the battery to be 80% recharged in just 15 minutes, greatly enhancing the new Toyota EV's everyday practicality.

Two battery charger timer functions allow users to set either the start or the end time of battery charging. And a timer has been introduced to automatically match the charge completion time with duration of vehicle use, helping to reduce battery degradation.

The 5 metre charging cable has been designed to remain flexible even in cold weather. It incorporates a CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupter Device) to automatically block the supply of AC current in the case of electrical leakage during charging. And the plug-cord may be detached from the CCID allowing it to be changed for compatibility with outlet shapes in various countries.

Commercialisation

The iQ EV has been specifically designed as an electric city commuting vehicle for use in an urban environment - the engineering programme is complete and Toyota iQ EV is ready for production.

However Toyota has seen that many customers are not yet willing to compromise on range, and they don't like the time needed to re-charge the batteries. Moreover, the infrastructure for recharging has not become as widespread as originally anticipated.

So, even though Toyota is ready with the Toyota iQ EV, we believe a plug-in hybrid solution offers a better way than pure electric for most customer needs in the short- to medium-term, and that is where we will concentrate our commercial activities.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is a car that delivers the 25 kilometers of pure electric driving needed for 70% of Europe's daily journeys, and has the backup of an efficient hybrid system to deliver a range of over 1200 kilometers without recharging or refuelling.

Heritage

Toyota's engineers have been involved in Electric Vehicle (EV) research and development for over 40 years, since 1971. Developed in parallel with the company's pioneering full Hybrid (HV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Fuel Cell (FCV) vehicles, the EV represents Toyota's long-term vision for short range sustainable mobility.

The company's readily adaptable Hybrid Synergy Drive® platform serves as the core technology for all of its advanced powertrain applications, based on specific usage patterns: EV for city driving, PHEV for city/mid distance use, HV for mid distance driving and FCV for long distance use.

Key to EV development are the battery and motor control systems that Toyota has created and fine-tuned through the broad technological base of its hybrid vehicle programme. To date, Toyota has developed several types of EV, including a two-passenger concept- the e-com, an SUV - the RAV4 EV, and several FT-EV concept cars.

First unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, the e-com shared much of its EV technology and powertrain components with the larger RAV4 EV. Producing zero emissions, it could run at speeds of up to 100 km/h for approximately 100 km on a single charge. By 2000, Toyota had a fleet of around 30 e-coms in use in Japan.

By 1995, Toyota was already highly focused on bringing a viable electric vehicle to the market. Its first generation RAV4 EV represented the successful culmination of all the company had learned over the previous 24 years. Indeed, the first prototype won the Scandinavian Electric Car Rally in August of that year.

The RAV4 EV had one of the best cruising ranges of any electric vehicle in the world - more than 120 miles (200 km) on a single charge. Since it was released in 1997, 1,500 were sold in the United States. A second generation RAV4 EV, created in partnership with Tesla, has recently been launched in the United States market.

Three generations of FT-EV concept have been produced so far, making their respective world debuts at the Detroit Motor Show and the Tokyo Motor Shows of 2009 and 2011. The Toyota iQ EV is a production version of those concepts, incorporating the technological and design strengths of all three models.

It represents the installation of an all-electric powertrain within a Toyota iQ package, combining the ultimate in compact city car agility with zero emissions and the easy, silent driving of a fully electric vehicle for up to four passengers.

For those of you Moderating, if you want this shortened, or even deleted, please ask and I will do as you bid me. Regards, Bob.

[Guest]

I like the interior, but they have missed out something essential on an electric vehicle IMO. A HUD, Head Up Display. If you are travelling in any car we all know pedestrians will step out in front of us without looking -except for those bare-faced hard-faced buggers who still look as they step out in front of you, like a challenge- 'Run me over if you dare!' Anyway, if there was a HUD, it would make it that little bit easier to avoid these pavement Kamikaze's. I like the power saving ideas they have, like the heated windscreen -miss that from my Mondeo- and heated seats. Aside from the usual hassle of recharging anxiety, it's a great idea. However, would Alan Sugar say 'You're Fired' to Mr. T?

[Soeley]

Why do they have to ruin the look of it though, the paint job spoils it, the wheels ruin it and as said the flap for the charging point makes it look lopsided.

[Guest]

I have to say the EV looks smart. BUT! Now I have looked again, I see they have made more boo boos. As already stated on here, that rediculous panel at the front... C'Mon Mr. T! What is that? Hope that changes before it goes on the forecourt. Then there is the main thing about economical cars, well actually, since Audi sprouted their Vorsprung Durch Technik and went on about the Cd factor. I think it was on the Audi 100. Anyway's, and this applies to all cars, there is that stupid lump on the front of the car, the number/licence plate. I mean, what is it with these designers that they can't integrate that into the aerodynamic design of the car? At the front it's important for aerodynamic reasons, so look at those pics of the EV and tell me that's not a carbunkle on the face of what was once a cute car? You can see it particularly in the 2nd and 3rd photo's (NetCar site pics).

[Soeley]

It is probably because each country has a different style/shape of front number plate, if they were to design it into the front profile, they would have to have a different bumper for each market.

[tarquin]

Hey mine has HUD he he!! Rapid charging in 15mins is good takes me longer to get through Tesco forecourt

David

[Guest]

Hey mine has HUD he he!! Rapid charging in 15mins is good takes me longer to get through Tesco forecourt

David

That's because you have an exceptional car David.

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It is probably because each country has a different style/shape of front number plate, if they were to design it into the front profile, they would have to have a different bumper for each market.

Mark

Yeah I get that, but if the space made for number/licence plates was the same worldwide, so that each shape is able to fit (Is there only 2 of them?) in the right space, then surely they could factor that in? There aren't many cars, although Alfa Romeo comes to mind immediately, that need to have the plate in a different place at the front of the car. That's down to their old radiator/grille placing. It's not only the aerodynamics either, it's the whole look of the car. It spoils so many of them, even basic models like ours (as in not Aston Martins, Lambogreenies, Masertarty, Bugatti VeignOne's and so on).

[DFish]

I have to admit I'm surprised that Aston Martin haven't taken it on. That would give them the biggest emissions tax break ever. ;)

That and they'd be able to charge £60k for an already overpriced micro car

Fish

[Guest]

Dan, give them a call, tell them you want 25% of each sale for the idea.