The Toyota 1/X (pronounced ‘one-Xth) is a concept vehicle that redefines the idea
of environmental consideration. Among the key attributes of this vehicle is the
fact that it weighs only 1/Xth that of other vehicles in its class with a design
that targets harmonious co-existence with people and the environment.
The 1/Xth boasts interior space on a par with the Prius but weighs just 420 kgs,
one third of the weight of the Prius. Another comparison comes in fuel consumption
where this new concept targets an overall fuel consumption of just 50% of the Prius,
the current Toyota production vehicle fuel economy champion.
The powertrain of this new concept combines the benefits of Flexible Fuel technology
– technology that allows a vehicle to run on a variety of fuels, e.g. gasoline and
ethanol, mixed in arbitrary proportions – and a plug-in hybrid system that allows
charging from an external power source with a longer electric motor driving cycle.
The internal combustion engine element of the power train has a displacement of
just 500 cm3. Aside from efficiency and its diversity of energy sources, this small
but efficient engine emits very low levels of CO2.
The hybrid power unit is located under the rear seat for a mid-ship, rear-wheel
drive configuration in a compact and highly efficient installation.
The entire body and chassis of the 1/Xth is constructed in lightweight but highly
rigid carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRFP). This advanced material provides excellent
protection in the event of a collision. Its superior strength quality allows the
width of body pillars to be minimised for an enhanced field of vision.