Toyota Seeks Test Pilots for its Next-Generation Mobility Concept, the i-ROAD

Toyota i-ROAD

Special Website "OPEN ROAD PROJECT" Now Open

Demonstration Experiment Involving General Users to Be Conducted in Tokyo

Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it will conduct a demonstration experiment involving general users for approximately one year starting in July within Tokyo, as a step towards the full-scale practical application of the EV personal mobility vehicle "TOYOTA i-ROAD." Concurrently, they have launched a special website, "OPEN ROAD PROJECT," to accept applications for monitors.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Service Allowing Custom Body Parts Using 3D Printers Also Introduced

The "i-ROAD" made its world premiere at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. It is a compact, single-seater vehicle offering a novel riding experience distinct from cars, capable of traveling approximately 50 km on a single charge from a household outlet. Toyota proposes this as a personal mobility solution to address urban traffic issues such as congestion and parking.

Toyota Motor Corporation has previously conducted demonstration experiments in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, and Grenoble, France. Towards full-scale practical application, a demonstration experiment using 10 i-ROAD units will be carried out in Tokyo in collaboration with companies that manage hourly space rentals and operators of commercial facilities in the city center.

A total of 100 participants, including general users, experts, and creators, will be involved. Each will be loaned a vehicle for about a month for evaluation, and the experiment will also focus on identifying parking and charging locations utilizing small and vacant spaces.

Furthermore, to allow users to enjoy their i-ROAD in a more personalized way as a personal mobility vehicle, a service will be offered simultaneously that utilizes 3D printers, enabling users to customize parts of the body with their preferred colors and surface finishes.

Eligible general monitors must be Tokyo residents holding a valid Japanese driver's license. Applications are open until Sunday, May 24th. After completing a brief personality assessment on the special website "OPEN ROAD PROJECT," applicants can submit their entry.