Toyota Single-Seat Mail Delivery Vehicles Debut in Japan
The Coms follows the i-Road (pictured) as a single-seat EV of the future
Toyota is an automaker known for its dedication to alternative energy vehicles. Back at the turn of the century, the Japanese carmaker released its Prius in the US, and opened up a whole new market for more eco-friendly vehicles that were easy on the eye—and the wallet. Lately, Toyota has been going further with the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, and various electric commuter vehicles which look, quite frankly, like they came straight from the future. Now, the automaker is entering the mail delivery business by providing four single-seat electric vehicles to Japanese post offices.
The vehicles are called Coms and they are capable of a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour, and can travel approximately 50 kilometers between charges. A full charge can be achieved in around six hours using regular household AC outlets. The vehicles measure 2.5 meters in length and 1.1 meter in width. Their doorless design works well for those who need to get in and out of the vehicle repeatedly, such as mail carriers. They’re also able to carry up to 60 kilograms, meaning heavier mail will be no big deal.
The vehicles will begin testing now, and continue to deliver mail until March as Toyota Auto Body—the vehicles’ makers—observe them to see if they could be useful in a more widespread fashion.
News Source: The Wall Street Journal
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