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Toyota iQ EV

We get behind the wheel of the electric Toyota iQ ahead of its launch next year

Toyota iQ EV front cornering

By Andrew English

December 2011

The idea of an electric Toyota iQ has been around for a while, but the company has only recently confirmed that 1,000 will be produced, with 140 going on test in Europe next year.

The car was actually designed to take battery power from the outset. The flat li-ion battery pack fits under the floor where the fuel tank normally sits, and there’s space under the bonnet for the inverter, electronics and gearbox.

Like most electric cars, the iQ EV leaps away from a standstill, but progress is painfully slow above 45mph. This makes it a great town car, but it’s not suited to motorways. The ride is a little harsh, yet it’s fun to drive, while the brakes, which feed power back into the batteries, have a consistent, linear feel.

The advanced battery allows a range of 53 miles. The motor produces 63bhp and 163Nm of torque – enough to take the 1,070kg iQ from 0-62mph in 14.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 78mph.

Outside, little sets the electric iQ apart from the petrol version except blue-edged badging, slightly altered front and rear grilles and a front hatch for the charging socket.

Inside, there’s a clever dash display that can either show the remaining range or the battery charge and power usage.

For an alternative review of the latest Toyota iQ visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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Pictures

Toyota iQ EV front cornering
Toyota iQ EV rear tracking
Toyota iQ EV dash
Toyota iQ EV detail
Toyota iQ EV profile
Toyota iQ EV detail

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FIRST OPINION

    Toyota realises that small electric vehicles have limited appeal and are expensive to produce, so it’s capping the iQ EV to 1,000 examples. This is a shame, as it’s a competent effort that would be an ideal urban runaround. Next year’s Renault Clio-based Zoe EV may change that, bringing these cars into the public eye and encouraging infrastructure. If it does, Toyota is well placed to expand iQ EV production.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £20,000 (est)
    Motor: AC electric
    Battery: 11.6kWh lithium-ion
    Power/torque: 63bhp/163Nm
    0-62mph: 14.3 seconds
    Top speed: 78mph
    Range: 53 miles
    Recharge time: Three to four hours at 200v, 15 minutes at fast charge station (to 80 per cent capacity)
    Equipment: Air-con, stability control, electric windows and mirrors
    On test: 2012
     
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