Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is leading a consortium of partners to evaluate the feasibility of a lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) prototype, conforming to the L6e (light quadricycle) category.
The consortium has secured funding from the UK government’s DRIVE35 programme via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which is a non-profit organisation supporting the development of zero emission technologies and new mobility concepts.
The feasibility study illustrates Toyota’s commitment to exploring next generation mobility, as many European cities reimagine their infrastructure to support low-carbon environments. The project aims to improve understanding of the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport.
The study will be undertaken at TMUK’s Burnaston facility in Derby, with outcomes to be tested at the University of Derby. As a consortium member, the university is supporting the project as part of its net-zero carbon ambitions.
The research will cover a range of innovations, including an integrated solar roof – designed and developed by Savcor – and enhanced digital connectivity. It will also evaluate ways to optimise circularity through using recycled lightweight, sustainable materials, and explore the potential of using components common to ELM’s lightweight, last-mile delivery vehicle.
The study draws inspiration from the FT-Me concept Toyota unveiled in March 2025 as a vision for future micromobility in Europe, building on the positive public response it received. It also aims to explore and validate how Toyota’s vision can be translated into a viable proposition, aligned with the company’s environmental and mobility goals.
Dariusz Mikolajczak, TMUK Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important study. The funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility. The study acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen our members’ capabilities.”
