The all new Scion iO EV has been unveiled in the U.S. by the TMS(Toyota Motor Sales) U.S.A. The Scion iQ battery run, 4-seater electric vehicle, designed laegly for, commuters in the city, and rural environments. The iQ EV features Toyota’s newly developed high output lithium-ion battery which delivers a class apart electric power consumption rate of 104 Wh/km in an ultra compact and lightweight package.In ideal stop and go driving conditions, the 12 kWh battery provides an estimated range of up to 50 miles on a full charge. The vehicle can be fully charged in approximately 3 hours at 240V. Its 78-inch wheel base and 13.5 foot turning radius makes the iQ EV highly maneuverable in congested areas where streets are narrow and parking is at a premium.
“Toyota believes battery-electric vehicles have the potential to play a role in future mobility strategies,” says Chris Hostetter, TMS group Vice President of Strategic Planning. He adds “Up to now, cost and convenience issues have limited BEV’s appeal with a broad consumer market. Toyota developed the iQ EV specifically as a city commuter, for use in an urban environment, where driving distances are likely to be short, charging opportunities numerous, and its compact proportions beneficial.” He again points out, “Approximately 90 iQ EVs will be available for fleet and car-sharing applications”.
Engine-
The iQ EV has been strongly developed focusing on the conservation of power consumption, the vehicle features regenerative braking, heat pump air conditioning with an option of pre-conditioning, LED stop lights, heated windshield defroster, and to help reduce battery degradation, the iQ EV is equipped with a time charger to match the charge completion time. There are three modes to select from, namely : D Range, S Range, and B range. The Maximum output is 47 kW (63 hp) with a torque of 120 lbs.-ft. which the iQ EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 13.4 seconds, and from 30 to 50 mph in 7 seconds, thereby achieving a top speed of 78 mph.
Exterior-
The styling cues are simple and bold enough to attract a lot of buyers, the front bumper lacks an upper grille, its trapezoidal highlights the low center of gravity, a wide bumper actually conveys a strong attitude. The body is in two-toned colour, upper half and the rear end, consists of, a black theme carried through the black front headlights, black batter cooling air intakes, and the wheel caps with black vents.
Interior-
The inside of the EV features a high contrast black and white colour scheme with metallic and ice-blue accents, the steering wheel draped in leather and a white steering pad cover, the center consoles highlight the battery mounted beneath the floor, seats have been covered in high quality fabric, with blueish-grey and white stitching. Now the iQ EV comes iwth a HDD Navigation system and exclusive AVN unit, with several driving support features. There is this 7-inch screen with Video Graphics Array LCD which displays audio information or vehicle information.
Safety-
The iQ EV comes standard with 11 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags including knee, side, seat cushion, front and rear curtain, and a rear window curtain airbag. The front seat is equipped with occupant detection system, the body shell is designed in such a way, to absorb and disperse frontal collisions, the front tires help to reduce the collision impact to the cabin, other than from all of these, is the front suspension arranged in cross pattern for offset impacts. Also a cross hatched battery frame helps to tighten the rigidity of the cabin and helps to disperse the collisions from any angle.
Some Other features-
The iQ EV comes standard with Star Safety System, which combines Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST), also it is equipped with Hill Start control and vehicle Proximity Notification system.
There aren’t any details on the price of the iQ EV, but this vehicle will be manufactured at Toyota’s Takaoka Plant in Toyota City, and the Production has already began in September 2012. As of now take a look at the pictures and let us know your views.
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