Toyota Just Built a Car for Teenagers — And the UK Is Paying for It

In a bold move toward sustainability, Toyota's FT-Me micromobility concept is finally seen the light of day as it has secured UK government funding. Focusing on reducing urban emissions and lowering traffic congestion, the project aims for clean transport solutions. Toyota unveiled the FT-Me concept earlier this year and it aims to be an affordable alternative to traditional cars, targeting young drivers, families, and delivery services alike. Here’s how the UK Government and Toyota plan to make micromobility EVs mainstream.

Toyota FT-Me Could Be The Ideal Electric Car For Cities

View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article

As the UK races toward its 2035 internal combustion engine ban, the FT-Me project aligns perfectly with national goals for greener cities, reduced congestion, and sustainable mobility. The consortium, led by Toyota with ELM Mobility, Savcor, and the University of Derby, will test the FT-Me’s performance in real UK conditions. The key goals include improving solar charging, using modular parts for easier recycling, and adding the vehicle to delivery fleets.

Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire is set to host pilot production and trials, creating new green jobs and export potential. This initiative strengthens the UK’s post-Brexit position as a leader in sustainable mobility and advanced electric vehicle development. The FT-Me project kicks off with testing beginning this year and limited UK production planned for late 2026, ahead of a 2027 showroom debut. The Toyota compact battery-electric vehicle will go up against the Citroen Ami.

What is the Toyota FT-Me?

The FT-Me brings in style, sustainability and accessibility into the urban mobility space. Measuring less than 2.5 meters, it can fit in half a standard parking space. Classified as a quadricycle, drivers as young as 14 in select markets could drive it, while hand-only controls allow wheelchair users to drive without modification. The FT-Me uses recycled materials for 90% lower carbon emissions than other city cars, and the solar roof adds 20 to 30 km daily range to the compact sized battery. It packs 360-degree visibility, seamless smartphone integration, solar charging, ultra-low energy consumption, and affordability.

Our Take On The Toyota FT-Me

Toyota aims to evolve urban transportation with the FT-Me by focusing on sustainability, versatility, and accessibility. The EV could become a blueprint for future city mobility. The two-seater offers solar charging, compact parking and easy smartphone access, making it ideal for city life.