Toyota e-Palette Launch
Toyota has introduced a new product aimed at “diverse mobility services.” The e-Palette is a fully electric shuttle designed to operate with autonomous driving hardware and software, which can also be used as a mobile store or service center. After years of concepts and prototypes, this unusual electric vehicle is officially on sale in Japan, although its price may surprise you.
From Concept to Reality
The project began with the e-Palette concept, which debuted at CES in 2018. It was followed by an updated version created for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Since then, Toyota has continued to refine the design, leading to the first commercially available e-Palette variant.
The exterior retains most features of the original concept: a symmetrical, cubic silhouette, small wheels, and large glass panels give it the characteristic look of a shuttle. The “friendly” appearance is defined by round LED headlights, customizable digital signs, and a relocated Toyota emblem above the bumper grille.
For series production, Toyota added larger side windows and thin indicators on the windshield frame, while the rear mirrors the front, except for the red taillights and solid pillars.
Cabin for 17 People
Unlike previous prototypes, which only offered passenger seating, the production e-Palette features a central driver position with a steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system. The cabin houses a central digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display on the right, another touchscreen on the left, and a fourth monitor for cabin observation. Primary functions are controlled by physical buttons on dual panels.
A low, height-adjustable floor, wide sliding doors, and an extendable ramp facilitate access, especially for wheelchair users and parents with strollers. Inside, four fixed seats are located at the rear, complemented by three foldable side-mounted seats in the center. According to Toyota, the cabin can accommodate up to 17 people, including 12 standing, four seated, and the driver.
Buyers can also order a wheelchair restraint system and a large overhead digital display, reminiscent of public transport design. More importantly, the cabin layout can be customized, transforming the electric vehicle into an entertainment module or a pop-up store. Toyota envisions it transporting passengers in the morning, converting into a food truck at lunch, and then serving as a venue for watching sports events in the evening while charging.
Readiness for Autonomous Driving
While previous prototypes had full autonomy (with an operator for safety), the production e-Palette is currently limited to Level 2 driver assistance. However, Toyota emphasizes that it is “capable of supporting automated driving” through additional third-party hardware and software called the “Automated Driving Kit.”
The automaker plans to conduct automated driving demonstrations with dealers and local governments in Japan. Their goal is to launch vehicles with Level 4 autonomous driving systems in fiscal year 2027, which ends on March 30, 2028.
Fully Electric with a 160-Mile Range
The e-Palette is 4950 mm long, roughly the same as a Land Cruiser Prado. The differences lie in its width and height: 2080 mm wide and 2650 mm tall, making it significantly more cubic than a truck-based SUV. The weight is 2950 kg.
Power is provided by a single electric motor producing 201 hp and 266 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 80 km/h. This is significantly higher than the top speed of the Olympic prototype, which was 20 km/h.
A 72.82 kWh battery provides a range of up to 250 km. Toyota claims the battery can be charged to 80% in approximately 40 minutes with fast charging or in 12 hours from a standard outlet. Additionally, the shuttle can also serve as an emergency power source.
Excessive Price
All of this sounds appealing until you learn about the price. The Toyota e-Palette costs a staggering 29 million yen in Japan before options. This is almost double the price of the GR Supra Final Edition and even exceeds the price of the flagship Century SUV at 27 million yen, making it the most expensive model in Toyota’s lineup.
Generous subsidies from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment can reduce the price by 15.835 million yen, softening the blow. Toyota has not disclosed production volumes but notes that the e-Palette will be built to order, which partially explains the extremely high cost.
Initially, the model will be used at the Toyota Arena Tokyo and surrounding areas, as well as in the futuristic Toyota Woven City in Japan.
This launch demonstrates how Toyota is trying to integrate innovation into everyday life, offering not just transportation but also multifunctional solutions for cities. Despite the high cost, the e-Palette’s potential to transform urban mobility and services remains significant, especially considering future improvements in autonomous systems. Its ability to adapt to various needs makes it a unique tool for the future, where electrification and automation will become the norm.