The Citroën Ami is pretty much in a class of its own in the UK, with only a limited number of vehicles on the road that can be regarded as actual competition.
The Ami fit into the L6e category which means it isn’t actually classed as a car, but is officially classified as a light quadricycle that is designed to do a maximum of 45km/h (or 28mph) and which is limited in terms of power.
Current competition for the Ami comes from the likes of Aixam and Micro (the people who make the push scooters) but that could change if Toyota moves ahead with putting the FT-Me concept car into production.
Toyota will work alongside ELM Mobility, Savcor and the University of Derby on a feasibility study to determine whether or not the FT-Me could be put into production and built to L6e regulations.
Funding for the study has come from the UK government’s DRIVE35 programme, and will take place at the Toyota facility in Burnaston, with Savcor responsible for designing an integrated solar roof and ELM providing some components used in its last-mile delivery vehicles.
The University of Derby will explore whether then explore if the model meets the needs of urban travellers.
“We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important study,” Toyota Manufacturing UK Managing Director Dariusz Mikolajczak said. “The funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility.
“The study acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen our members’ capabilities.”
- Electric
- Toyota