Costliest Toyota in the World Is a 17-Seater All-Electric Shuttle Bus

Toyota recently launched the most-expensive Toyota in the World. And no, it isn’t a car or a pick-up. The Toyota e-Palette is an electric shuttle that has enough space to comfortably welcome 17 passengers at a time, and because it is powered by battery, it promises to be absolutely free from emissions. The only downside, the massive price tag.

Sales of Toyota e-Palette have already started in Japan with the company positioning it as a new-age urban-mobility vehicle. Capable of Level 2 autonomous driving, the e-Palette was first revealed in concept form back in 2018. A re-worked version was then shown in 2021. But it is only now that the production version has taken center stage and been deployed for use on public roads.

Toyota e-Palette: Boxy Shape, Lofty Promises

The Toyota e-Palette has a square-ish profile and sports fairly compact proportions. Its face gets circular LED headlight units, digital signages, branding for the model as well as the company, and automated doors.

Inside, the e-Palette offers a central digital instrument cluster for the driver. There is also an infotainment display and a monitor for checking on occupants.

The e-Palette also gets a pull-out automatic ramp to allow special-abled persons to get in or make their way out. As for space, there are 12 seats in addition to the one for the driver and a section that can accommodate another four standing persons.

Toyota e-Palette: Autonomous Marvel?

The Toyota e-Palette boasts of Level 2 autonomous drive capabilities, although the extent of its use is still being tested. This means that for now, the shuttle will require a person behind the wheel and in control at all times. It is learnt that Toyota is working with local authorities in Japan to showcase the capabilities of the e-Palette and aims to incorporate Level 4 autonomous-drive technology by 2028.

Toyota e-Palette: Range and Drive Features

The Toyota e-Palette is powered by a 72.82 kWh battery that gives it a per-charge range of around 250 kms. The e-Palette can also be charged to 80 per cent in 40 minutes using a fast charging unit.

As for performance, the Toyota e-Palette can deliver 201 hp and offers 260 Nm of torque. And because it is primarily positioned for urban use, the top speed is set at 80 kmph.

Toyota e-Palette Price

So how much is a single unit of Toyota e-Palette for? It is super expensive! The company has priced the e-Palette at 29 million Japanese yen which converts to around Rs 1.72 crore. The good news, at least in Japan, is that the local government may provide a host of subsidies to allow the final price to come down.

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