Toyota Proace CITY Electric is a new electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) and people carrier from Toyota Professional. This makes the brand a strong competitor in Europe's high-volume small van market.
The new range, which will be on sale in the fourth quarter of 2021, will include panel vans and five- to seven-seat Verso people carriers in standard (4.4 m) and extended (4.75 m) wheelbase configurations, as well as a long-wheelbase, five-seat Crew Cab. Following the recent introduction of the Proace Electric and Proace Verso Electric medium-duty van and people carrier, this agreement further solidifies Toyota's position in the electrification of vehicles.
Additionally, practicality is ensured since the EV models match the Proace CITY models' load capacity of up to 4.4 m3, 800 kg payload, and 750 kg towing capability.
The potential for success is evident, with yearly small EV van sales more than doubling to over 20,000 units since 2017 and the market rising at a rate four times that of medium-duty EV van sales. The new models are appropriate for fleet and small business owners seeking capable, dependable transportation that can be used to enter the growing number of urban low- and zero-emission zones, as well as consumers seeking to improve their environmental profile.
Thus, Proace CITY Electric has the potential to significantly contribute to Toyota's goal of achieving a zero-emissions powertrain mix of more than 10% in Europe by 2025. The new model will be brought into Europe commencing in the fourth quarter of 2021 with France, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Additional markets will be added during the year and in 2022.
Engine and Performance
All-new Toyota Proace CITY Electric variants are propelled forward with a 136 DIN hp/100 kW electric motor. The lithium-ion battery is concealed beneath the load compartment floor, preventing access to the load area. It has a 50 kWh capacity due to its 216 cells organized in 18 modules. This offers a WLTP driving range of between 260 and 280 kilometers and a peak speed of 135 kilometers per hour. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes between 11.2 and 11.7 seconds in Power mode, while 80 to 120 km/h takes between 8.9 and 9.4 seconds in Power mode.
Options for Efficient Charging
All Proace CITY Electric versions come standard with a 7 kW single-phase onboard charger (OBC), or an 11 kW tri-phase charger may be ordered as an option. Type 2 cables are also included for connecting to a household power source or a wall box charging system.
A single-phase 7 kW OBC can charge a battery to capacity in 7.5 hours. However, charging time may be lowered to just 5 hours when using the three-phase 11 kW OBC; when the car is linked to a public or commercial 100 kW DC fast charger, an 80% charge may be obtained in less than 30 minutes.
A system surrounding the input socket in the rear left-side wing indicates the charging state. While the cover is opened and the cable is connected, white lighting indicates that the car is in stand-by mode, waiting for charging to begin; when charging is underway, the white illumination changes to a green flashing light, then to solid green when charging is complete. A red light means there is a problem or flaw; a blue light means that a charging session has been set up.
Cooling of Batteries
Effective battery temperature control is critical for preserving performance and driving range in extreme cold and heat. The lithium-ion battery in the Toyota Proace CITY Electric light commercial vehicle is cooled by a glycol water cooling system that is recharged via a cold loop device and warmed by an electric heater. This helps to keep the battery charging time and efficiency high and ensures that the battery will work well at a wide range of temperatures, from -40 to +55 degrees Celsius.
Selector for E-toggle and Drive Mode
Instead of a gear shift, the Proace CITY Electric's center console features an e-toggle button for engaging Park and selecting Drive, Neutral, or Reverse. In addition, there is a "B" button that can help the battery charge when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal. The "B" button can help the battery charge when this happens.
Eco, Normal, and Power drive modes may be set in conjunction with the e-toggle, depending on the driver's desire, the weight being carried, and the driving circumstances. The motor's power and torque are varied in each mode; the throttle mapping is also altered in Power and Eco modes. Peak power in Power mode is 100 kW with 260 Nm of torque; in Normal mode, the output is 80 kW with 210 Nm; and in Eco mode, the output is lowered to 60 kW and 180 Nm (ideal for hauling heavy loads).
Additionally, an automated parking brake is included as a standard.
Assured Practicality
The addition of battery electric power does not jeopardize the practicality of Toyota Proace CITY Electric. The load area is increased to 4.4m3 on models equipped with the innovative Smart Cargo system, which provides additional storage capacity via a folding passenger seat mechanism and through-loading capability. The regular wheelbase version (L1) has a maximum payload of 800 kg, while the long-wheelbase variant (L2) has a maximum payload of 750 kg; both vans can tow braked loads of up to 750 kg.
Compact vans are available with two separate front seats or with a driver's seat and a two-seat bench. The Verso offers outstanding versatility, with five and seven-seat combinations available across both wheelbase lengths. In addition, five persons may be accommodated in the Crew Cab variant (L2 extended wheelbase only).
Grades and Equipment for Models
The Toyota Proace CITY Electric line is the same as the Proace CITY range for things like practicality, safety, comfort, and convenience for both van and Verso models.
The tiny vehicle is offered in two trim levels: Base and Comfort. The entry-level model is a simple, workhorse design that emphasizes utility and cheap total cost of ownership. Additionally, the Comfort model will have side door loading, bigger 16-inch wheels with coverings, and the Smart Cargo load-extension system.
Proace CITY Verso Electric will also follow the Proace CITY model lineup, with Combi, Shuttle, Family, and Family+ trim levels, the latter of which will have a color head-up display, satellite navigation, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Along with the e-toggle and driving mode selection, all models' 10-inch TFT multi-information display will have EV-specific functionality like battery capacity and power usage data. Additionally, owners may use their smartphones to access linked services via the MyT app. This enables remote control of the air conditioning system (for pre-heating or cooling the cabin before travel), monitoring the battery's state, administration of remote charging, and management of the vehicle's charging schedule.
Extensive Driver Assistance and Safety Systems
Both the Proace CITY Electric van and the Verso are equipped with the most extensive active safety systems available in their class, Toyota Safety Sense. You can get active and post-collision braking systems as well as Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition with intelligent speed assist, driver attention warning, trailer stability control, high beam assist, blind-spot detection, and Advanced Grip Control with Hill Ascent/Descent Control.
Driver assistance is also outstanding, with parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and, in the case of the van, the Visiopark 180-degree system provides a comprehensive, bird's-eye view of the vehicle's immediate surroundings.
