CV NEWS: TOYOTA PROACE CITY ELECTRIC
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Toyota reveals its ‘ace in the hole’ for urban deliveries Proace City Electric launched to extend range of zero-emission battery electric LCV and people carrier Highly competitive new models ideal for access to urban low and zeroemission zones Van payloads up to 800 kg and across-the-board 750 kg towing capacity Powered by 136 DIN hp/100 kW electric motor with 50 kWh lithiumion battery Targeted WLTP electric driving range of between 260 and 280 km The new Toyota Proace CITY Electric marks a significant expansion of the Toyota Professional electrified light commercial vehicle (LCV) and people carrier line-up, giving the brand a strong contender in the high-volume compact van segment in Europe. The new range offers customers an impressive breadth of choice: panel vans and five- to seven-seat Verso people carriers in standard (4.4 m) and long (4.75 m) wheelbase variants, and a long-wheelbase, five-seat Crew Cab. Following on from the recent launch of the Proace Electric and Proace Verso Electric medium-duty van and people carrier, it strengthens Toyota’s position in vehicle electrification. Practicality is assured, too, with the EV models matching the load capacity of the Proace CITY models, with up to 4.4 m3, plus up to 800 kg payload and 750 kg towing capacity. The potential for success is clear, with annual compact EV van sales having doubled since
44 | February 2022 | Company Car & Van
2017 to almost 20,000 units, with the market growing four times faster rate than for medium-duty EV van sales. The new models are ideally suited to fleet and small businesses who need capable, reliable transport they can use to access the increasing number of urban low and zero-emission zones, and from customers keen to improve their environmental profile. Proace CITY Electric thus has great potential to help Toyota achieve its target of a powertrain mix of more than 10% zero-emissions in Europe by 2025. The new model will have a phased introduction in Europe, with models reaching the UK this quarter. Other markets will follow in the course of the year and in 2022. Powertrain and Performance All Proace CITY Electric models are powered by a 136 DIN hp/100 kW electric motor, driving the front wheels. The powertrain also features a lithium-ion battery, integrated DC/DC charger/
converter, high-voltage connection box, ondulator and reductor. The lithium-ion battery is located beneath the load compartment floor, avoiding intrusion in the load space. With 216 cells organised in 18 modules, it has a 50 kWh capacity. This enables a targeted WLTP driving range of between 260 and 280 km when fully charged, and a top speed of 135 km/h. In Power mode, acceleration from 0-100 km/h can be accomplished between 11.2 and 11.7 seconds depending on the version, and from 80 to 120 km/h between 8.9 and 9.4 seconds depending on the version. Efficient charging options All Proace CITY Electric models are equipped as standard with a 7 kW single-phase on-board charger (OBC), or can be optionally specified with an 11 kW tri-phase charger. Type 2 cables for connection to a domestic power supply or a wallbox charging system are also supplied. With the single-phase 7 kW OBC, a full battery charge can be accomplished in 7.5 hours. With the three-phase 11 kW OBC, charging time can be reduced to just 5 hours. When the vehicle is connected to a pubic or business 100 kW DC fast charger, an 80 per cent charge can be achieved in just 30 minutes. Charging status is indicated by a lighting system around the inlet socket, located in the rear left-side wing. When the cover is opened and the cable is attached, white illumination signals the vehicle is in stand-by mode, ready for charging to start; when charging is in progress, this changes to a green flashing light, then solid green when charging is complete. Continued on page 46 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
