Toyota just announced that the fleet of vehicles for transportation during the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will feature the largest number of electric vehicles so far.
Being the official mobility partner for the next sports event, the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games of Tokyo 2020, Toyota is responsible for providing transportation to athletes and spectators of the big event. With the constant growth of the creation of electrified vehicles on the market, there is no such thing as a lack of options for the carmaker.
According to the company, they created several different vehicles that will totalize 3,700 units on the streets. Toyota said:
“Electrified vehicles include Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), such as the hydrogen-powered Mirai, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the Prius PHV (known as Prius Prime in some markets), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), including the “APM” (Accessible People Mover) and Tokyo 2020 the e-Palette as well as TOYOTA Concept-i, which will provide a unique and wide range of diverse mobility during Tokyo 2020.”
The company presented all the models with its specs and where they will be commuting.
1) Vehicles developed specifically for Tokyo 2020
APM
- 200 units to help attendees with special mobility needs travel within Tokyo 2020 event venues such as the Olympic Stadium and Ariake Tennis Park for the “last one mile” transportation and relief activities.
2) Unique vehicle versions for Tokyo 2020
e-Palette (Tokyo 2020 version)
- Toyota’s first BEV developed specifically for Autono-MaaS*2, the Tokyo 2020 e-Palette will support transportation needs of staff and athletes, with a dozen or more running on a continuous loop within the Olympic and Paralympic Village.
- With a low-floor, electric slope, and by stopping precisely at each stop, leaving little to no gap or opening between the curb and the bus, the e-Palette will make travel easier for wheelchair passengers and support smooth transport over short distances.
- The vehicle is anticipated to feature automated driving (up to SAE Level 4*3). In addition to having an operator aboard every vehicle to monitor the automated driving operation, Toyota will also provide a digital control system to monitor the general operating conditions of the vehicle.
The e-Palette can fit 20 people inside its cabin. For wheelchairs, 4 is the limit number, alongside with 7 standing passengers.
Vehicle SpecificationsToyota Concept-i (Tokyo 2020 version)
- With a characteristic “high-tech one-motion silhouette” exterior design, the Concept-i hopes to bring further excitement and attention to the Games through its activities as the operating vehicle at the Olympic torch relay and lead vehicle in the marathon.
- Also, in addition to the vehicles provided for the Games, the public roads surrounding the Toyota City Showcase “MEGAWEB” in the Tokyo Odaiba/Toyosu area are expected to be used for test rides/drives of vehicles with advanced driving technology. This includes the Toyota Concept-i, which will demonstrate automated driving (SAE Level 4*3) and its functions, including “Agent conversation”, that uses artificial intelligence to understand people, helping people experience new ways to move as well as the future of “beloved cars”.
The number of passangers goes up to four on the electric car.
3) Other vehicles
Mirai
- 500 will be provided for the transport of Games’ staff around Tokyo 2020 official venues.
- For further details on MIRAI, please see the press release here
Walking area BEVs
- Toyota will provide approximately 300 units of its standing-type personal mobility devices for use by security/medical staff centering around and within Tokyo 2020 venues, such as the Olympic Stadium and Ariake Tennis Park
- Furthermore, Toyota is exploring the use of its sitting-type and wheelchair-link personal mobility devices for those in wheelchairs and with difficulty walking
The standing type of the board is able to travel 8,6 miles and it has 4 adjustable top speeds: 1,2; 2,4; 3,7; 6 mph. The top speed is adjustable on every model of board and the speed settings are the same.
Wheelchair link travels 12,4 miles on a single charge, while the sitting type only 6 miles.
Charging time differs between 2~2,5 hours, being the sitting type the fastest one to charge.
Source: Toyota Pressroom