Toyota begins sales of the e-Palette in Japan

After presenting a first prototype in 2018, and following seven years of development, the e-Palette from Toyota is now on sale in the Japanese market. According to the manufacturer itself, the e-Palette is a multifunctional vehicle not only suitable for passenger transport in urban areas, but also presented as a versatile solution for various mobility services.

This distinctive electric model now goes on sale in the Japanese market with a base price of 29 million yen. At the current exchange rate, this amounts to roughly 168 thousand euros.

With dimensions of 4.95 metres in length, 2.08 metres in width and 2.65 metres in height, the e-Palette is designed to carry up to 16 passengers: four seated and twelve standing, plus the driver. Although it currently operates with a level 2 driver-assistance system, which requires the driver’s attention at all times, Toyota plans to introduce versions with level 4 autonomy by 2027, in which case no driver would be required.

Key technical specifications

Equipped with a 150 kW asynchronous motor and a 73 kWh battery pack, the e-Palette offers an approximate range of 250 kilometres, according to the manufacturer. Meanwhile, when recharging with direct current, it supports a maximum power of 90 kW, allowing the battery charge to rise to 80 percent in about 40 minutes. It is also possible to recharge with alternating current thanks to the onboard 6 kW charger, with which a full recharge takes around 12 hours.

Toyota has also implemented bidirectional charging in this vehicle, with support for V2L –Vehicle to Load-, which allows any electronic device to be powered, turning the e-Palette into a power source that can support various commercial activities.

As can be seen at a glance, the design of the e-Palette stands out for its low floor to ease passenger access, to which its wide sliding doors also contribute. As we have already mentioned, Toyota does not conceive the e-Palette solely as a passenger vehicle, but also as an adaptable space for various types of mobile businesses, such as, for example, a parcel delivery vehicle or a mobile ice cream stand. This multifunctional approach greatly widens the number of potential customers for whom the e-Palette may be the right solution to their needs.

Toyota plans to showcase the e-Palette soon at iconic locations in Japan, such as the Toyota Arena Tokyo or Toyota Woven City, where it will be used both for transport services and as a mobile warehouse. Toyota also intends to collaborate with dealers, municipalities and strategic partners in specific regions to demonstrate its automated driving capabilities.