Toyota-led consortium secures UK government funding for micromobility feasibility study

• Funding secured for a feasibility study for a lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV)
• Project will be led by Toyota Manufacturing UK in Derby with partner evaluations of a solar roof, advanced connectivity and sustainable, lightweight materials
• Project inspired by Toyota’s FT-Me concept and the company’s quest to identify sustainable urban mobility solutions as part of its Mobility for All vision

Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is leading a consortium of partners to evaluate the feasibility of a lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) prototype, conforming to the L6e (light quadricycle) category. The consortium has secured funding from the UK government’s DRIVE35 programme via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which is a non-profit organisation supporting the development of zero emission technologies and new mobility concepts.

The feasibility study illustrates Toyota’s commitment to exploring next generation mobility, as many European cities reimagine their infrastructure to support low-carbon environments. The project aims to improve understanding of the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport.

The study will be undertaken at TMUK’s Burnaston facility in Derby, with outcomes to be tested at the University of Derby. As a consortium member, the university is supporting the project as part of its net-zero carbon ambitions. 

The research will cover a range of innovations, including an integrated solar roof – designed and developed by Savcor – and enhanced digital connectivity. It will also evaluate ways to optimise circularity through using recycled lightweight, sustainable materials, and explore the potential of using components common to ELM’s lightweight, last-mile delivery vehicle.

The study draws inspiration from the FT-Me concept Toyota unveiled in March 2025 as a vision for future micromobility in Europe, building on the positive public response it received. It also aims to explore and validate how Toyota’s vision can be translated into a viable proposition, aligned with the company’s environmental and mobility goals.

Consortium members

ELM mobility Ltd: a designer and produces of a purpose-designed, last-mile urban delivery vehicle.

Savcor: the lead partner for design and integration of the concept’s lightweight photovoltaic (PV) roof.

University of Derby: providing expertise in studying micromobility user behaviour and the viability of solar energy.

Toyota Motor Europe: supporting the skills development of TMUK team members.

Together, the consortium partners are studying how to shape a smarter and more sustainable future for urban mobility across Europe.

Dariusz Mikolajczak, TMUK Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important study. 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.”

About the consortium members

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the company’s first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than £2.82 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many more jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.

ELM Mobility Limited will study the platform and components for common application opportunities, aiming to reduce dual development and creating economies-of-scale. The collaboration will support ELM’s strategy of using high-quality components whilst minimising their overall capital requirements.

The University of Derby will combine academic research with public sector strategy and private sector innovation to address how integrated mobility solutions can align with existing and planned transport strategies. Applying innovations in data-centric engineering and market demand opportunities, along with user engagement and experience, the University of Derby will explore how novel technologies will be adopted and accepted so that micromobility reaches the most appropriate users and locations, maximising accessibility and effectiveness.

Savcor will study a photovoltaic lightweight integrated roof design, using its expertise in PV technology and vehicle integration.  As a partner to TME, Savcor will design, develop and validate a solar roof for the L6e vehicle with the aim to extend the range of the vehicle by 20 per cent, creating a solution that supports average daily use without charging.

ENDS