Toyota said it would promote the ecosystem essential for electric car adoption before a full-scale launch by 2022.
Today's launch was also to showcase new services that can only be provided by BEVs.
The C+pod is an environmentally-friendly two-seater BEV designed as a mobility option, with a cruising range of up to 150km.
Available in two grades, it is priced in Japan from 1.6 million yen (around RM65,000).
In addition to short-distance daily use, the C+pod is also aimed at corporate users visiting customers on a regular basis, and at users in urban or mountainous communities needing safe, unrestricted, and environmentally-friendly transportation options.
With a compact body measuring 2,490 x 1,290 x 1,550 mm (length x width x height), and a minimum turning radius of 3.9 m, the C+pod can comfortably navigate sharp corners on narrow roads, minimises steering wheel operation when parking, and provides excellent maneuverability in everyday driving.
The under-floor location of the lithium-ion battery in front of the seat creates a flat, low-floor package that minimises steps.
The motor is positioned in the rear of the vehicle, while the combination of a rigid, lightweight body and independent suspension system, that absorbs irregularities in the road surface, enable riding comfort and brisk yet stable driving performance.
To drive BEV take-up, Toyota is expanding its product lineup and forming open collaborations as it works to build new business models.
In Japan, it is focusing initially on the C+pod, Walking Area BEVs, and Toyota i-Road, with more than 200 corporate and local government partners involved in exploring new transportation models.
One of those services is Toyota Green Charge, a joint project developed with Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Co., Inc to offer a single point of contact for companies seeking support when building optimal charging facilities or developing electricity plans for BEVs, such as CO2-free power.
The service will be jointly implemented with Chubu Electric Power Miraiz, Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc.
Other services planned are the Electric-vehicle sharing service that combines tourist information with the "Toyota Share" car-sharing service to promote sightseeing and excursions.
