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Toyota's one-man i-unit vehicle : incredibly cool, and ultra-environmentally friendly
:: 30 May, 2007
This one-person "personal mobility" vehicle, as Toyota describes it, can actually make itself smaller when moving slowly to take up less space, and then spread out more to optimize its center of gravity for higher speeds. At an eye-poppingly light 396 pounds, and measuring no more than 6 feet long, the i-unit (enough with the freakin' i-naming already!) boasts a three-foot turning radius, is powered by a lithium-ion battery, and includes onboard systems that store your favorite music and customize the body's color based on driver preferences.
It all sounds incredibly cool, and ultra-environmentally friendly, but you wouldn't catch me in one so long as I had to share the road with 4-ton Hummers. In other words, at this stage, categorize the i-unit as wishful thinking
News Inside News:
i-unit Overview
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The “i-unit” is a form of “personal mobility” that seeks to attain a greater balance of meeting individuals’ wishes to enjoy freedom of movement, harmony with society, and harmony with the Earth’s natural environment.
Concept
“Expanding Human Abilities”
This union of driver and vehicle is intended to expand human abilities and possibilities.
Theme
“Inspire the Individual”
Making a better world with mobility leading the way to a greater bond between people and the planet.
Movement expands our world by creating possibilities and encounters among nature, society, people and culture. Movement brings us new sensations, discoveries and acquaintances, enabling individuals to lead fuller lives and cultivating a sense of belonging with the planet.
Design Theme
“The Leaf”
The design, inspired by the leaf that converts sunlight into life energy, seeks to express the power of the unknown, the logic of living things and the simple beauty of waste-free functionality.
Main Features
Mobility with an Ultra Compact Size
The “i-unit” creates a seamless transformation between vehicle and human movement, minimizing occupied space and energy consumption with its lightweight and ultra compact size.
Variable Positioning
The i-unit has a compact size enabling the passenger to move among other people in an upright position in low speed mode, and a low center of gravity that ensures stable handling when the vehicles reclines in high speed mode.
Ease of Operation
Drive Controller
Drive-by-wire technology and intuitive handling enable the passenger to maneuver on-the-spot turns and drive at high speed at will.
IT Controller
A driver support information system uses sound, light and vibration to facilitate interactive communication.
Driver Support System
The driver support system features Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology, which Toyota hopes to utilize for an accident-free society. The system permits efficient and safe autopilot driving in specially equipped lanes.
“My-unit”
A personalized recognition system can provide information and music, and body color can be customized, according to the individual’s preferences and emotions.
Environmentally Friendly Body Materials
The body is built using environmentally friendly plant-based materials such as kenaf
Main Specifications =
Length (mm)-Low-Speed Mode 1,100 High-Speed Mode 1,800
Height (mm)- Low-Speed Mode 1,800
High-Speed Mode 1,250
Width (mm) 1,040 Wheel Base (mm) Low-Speed Mode 540
High-Speed Mode 1,300
Tread (mm) Front 850
Rear 830
Body Weight (Kg) 180
Minimum Turning Radius (m) (Outer Side) 0.9 (When turning in place)
Drive System In-Wheel Motors (Rear)
Battery Type Lithium Ion
Release link: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html
Tags: personal mobility , driver and vehicle , i-unit , toyota ,
