Is it an electric vehicle? Bus? Shuttle? It’s all of it. Toyota launched the e-Palette, a futuristic autonomous EV that works as a people mover, delivery van, or even a pop-up mobile shop. But with prices starting at nearly $200,000, it’s not exactly cheap.
Toyota launches the e-Palette autonomous EV
Although it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, this self-driving electric bus is real. Toyota opened orders for the e-Palette BEV on September 15, calling it “the next-generation” of mobility.
Although we first saw the e-Palette as a concept at CES in 2018 and then it was out transporting athletes at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the autonomous EV is now available to order.
The e-Palette can be used for just about anything, including shuttle services, delivery, a food truck, and more. It will initially offer Level 2 automated driving capabilities. Toyota aims to launch vehicles equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving, starting as early as 2027.
No drivers will be required, but until then, you’ll still find one in Toyota’s “autonomous” buses. We will see them for the first time at the new Toyota Arena Tokyo, set to open on October 3.
The new electric buses will likely be used to provide shuttles and food trucks at the event. Toyota said the spacious interior can be used for much more, such as an “entertainment vehicle,” to watch sports, or to sightsee in.
It even includes a Steer-by-Wire System, digital signs on the inside and out, and bidirectional charging capabilities, enabling it to act as a mobile power device.
Powered by a 72.82 kWh lithium-ion battery, Toyota said the e-Palette EV has a cruising range of around 250 km (155 miles). It can also recharge to 80% in about 40 minutes.
The electric bus measures 4,950 mm in length, 2,080 mm in width, and 2,650 mm in height, which is significantly larger than most electric vans. Kia’s first electric van, the PV5 Cargo, is 4,695 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,900 mm tall.
Toyota is working with dealerships, automated driving partners, and local governments to make it a reality. For example, the automated driving kit, including hardware, software, cameras, and LiDAR, is from ADK. The unit is compatible with Toyota’s vehicle control interface.
Orders for the Toyota e-Palette opened on Monday with an MSRP of 29,000,000 yen ($197,000). Toyota said it is eligible for a government subsidy in Japan of 15,835,000 yen ($107,500).
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