Put The Prius Away

We’re sure you’ve heard about that uncomfortable phone call Al Gore had with the Chinese government after the Olympics of 2008, when all those preteen gymnasts couldn’t see through the smog long enough to stay on the balance beam. Your friend, Mr. Gore, and other environmental advocates have been speaking up for a while now, and green has been the new black for some time. The proof is in the auto lineup, with Toyota leading the pack in 2000 with the Prius, and many other auto companies following suit. Now, the original leader, the Toyota, is back with a funky little concept vehicle called the i-Road. This year’s motor show in Geneva will feature Toyota’s new design in eco-friendly driving, referred to as an electric personal mobility vechile.

While most of the details are still under wraps, the car is being touted as the future of urban transportation, with tandem seating for just two people in a pod-like enclosed environment. It runs on an all-electric powertrain with a lithium-ion battery that powers a pair of 2 kW electric motors mounted in the front wheels. The i-Road also utilizes “active lean” technology for a safe, intuitive driving experience with a range of up to 50 km on a single charge. Its emission free tagline promises a more serious approach to green urban living, and if it’ll get Leonardo Dicaprio to stop spamming our inbox, we’re all definitely in.