Toyota’s compact FT-Me electric concept could soon hit UK roads, thanks to a £15 million government grant aimed at supporting small, zero-emission vehicles.
The Japanese brand plans to develop the FT-Me under the same L6e quadricycle rules as the Citroën Ami and Micro Microlino. That means it’ll be limited to just 8bhp and a top speed of 28mph - perfect for short city trips.
Toyota will work with last-mile van maker Elm, materials specialist Savcor, and the University of Derby to explore whether the FT-Me can become a viable production model. The vehicle will share parts with Elm’s Evolv delivery van, while Savcor will provide a solar roof that could recover up to 19 miles of range a day.
If the project moves ahead, Toyota plans to design and assemble the FT-Me at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, which currently builds the Corolla. The University of Derby will also study how potential buyers use the car in everyday life.
“The funding allows us to explore the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge electric vehicle that meets the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility,” said Dariusz Mikolajczak, managing director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK.
The investment comes from the Drive35 programme, a £2.5 billion government initiative to help the UK’s car industry shift to zero-emission production. The fund requires manufacturers to match at least 50% of the grant - meaning Toyota’s total investment in the FT-Me project stands at around £30.3 million.
