At just 2.5 meters long, Toyota’s new FT-Me concept is a pint-sized EV designed to navigate tight city streets, slip into half-sized parking spots, and run on solar power alone for short commutes—all while offering surprising accessibility and affordability aimed squarely at younger, urban drivers.
Table of Contents
Toyota’s FT-Me Concept: Small in Size, Big in Ambition
Amid a showcase of sporty hybrids and cutting-edge EVs, one of Toyota’s most intriguing unveilings in Brussels this week wasn’t flashy or fast—it was tiny. Meet the FT-Me, a micro-mobility concept so compact it could easily be mistaken for a futuristic scooter with doors.
Just 2.5 meters long—about 8 feet—this adorable urban runabout is slightly larger than the wildly popular Citroën Ami. Designed for the hustle and bustle of inner-city living, the FT-Me doesn’t just navigate crowded streets; it thrives in them.
Parking? Not a Problem
Thanks to its ultra-compact footprint, the FT-Me occupies only half a standard parking space. In some cases, it can even tuck in front-first like a motorbike. In a city where square meters are precious, that’s no small feat.
Its design takes cues from a jet helmet, offering a sleek yet playful profile. Inside, it’s been cleverly packaged to squeeze out every last inch of usable space. There’s enough room for two adults, and a folding passenger seat means you can haul flat-pack furniture or even a wheelchair—wheels removed, of course.
A Solar-Powered Daily Driver
But perhaps the most charming feature? Its solar panel roof, capable of harvesting enough energy to add 20–30 kilometers (13–18 miles) of range per day—even under gloomy skies. For many city dwellers, that’s more than enough to get from A to B without ever plugging in.
Technical details are still under wraps, but given that Toyota says 14-year-olds could legally drive it in some markets, it’s likely classified as a quadricycle. That means it’s capped at 28 mph, boasts under 6kW of power, and weighs less than 450kg. It’s less about speed, and more about freedom.
Built for a New Generation of Drivers
While most modern vehicles dazzle with oversized infotainment displays, the FT-Me takes a different route—it’s built for the smartphone-first generation. No cluttered dashboard here; your phone becomes the hub, including functioning as a digital key.
In a smart nod to inclusivity, Toyota also fitted the car with hand controls, allowing wheelchair users to drive without any modifications. This isn’t just thoughtful engineering—it’s a bold step toward mobility equality.
A Monthly Subscription Cheaper Than Netflix?
Here’s where things get truly interesting: reports suggest the FT-Me could cost as little as £30 / $40 / AU$60 per month to lease. That’s not just affordable—it’s in the same ballpark as your streaming bill.
If Toyota can deliver on this, the FT-Me has the potential to redefine what it means to own a car for young, urban commuters. Imagine zipping through your city without worrying about fuel costs, parking hassles, or even a driver’s license.
With its quirky design, solar charging, and smartphone integration, the FT-Me isn’t just another EV—it’s a movement. A response to the modern urban lifestyle, where flexibility, sustainability, and accessibility matter more than horsepower.
So, is this the car of the future? Maybe not for everyone—but for city dwellers and next-gen drivers, it just might be the perfect fit.
