Toyota 1-Seater EV to Launch July 2012 for 600,000 Yen

Toyota is planning to launch a single-seat EV for the Japanese market in July 2012 for a retail price of 600,000 Yen.  This model will bear the COMS name and be built by Toyota Body (Toyota Shatai) in Kariya, Japan. This model is aimed at the new 1 or 2-seat “very small vehicle” class currently being considered by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. With this in mind, Toyota also has a 2-seater small electric vehicle under development as well.

Earlier concept shows what the new COMS may look like

The 1-seater version is based on the underpinnings of the previous COMS model (produced from 2000 to 2011) and expected users include food home delivery companies, who would usually use 3-wheel roofed scooters in Japan. With a price point not very far below frugal kei cars like the Daihatsu Mira e:S, I suspect that it will have little appeal in the general consumer market.

Sources: Hokkaido Shinbun, Nikkei (both Japanese-language)