The Japanese car giant Toyota has patented a new technology for its EV lineup which would enable passengers to save on trips by… pedaling.
That’s correct: the patent has been registered by the North American subdivision of Toyota, which means that USA may very well be the first region where first such cars get released.
Apparently, Toyota seems to believe that this innovative approach will be met with enthusiasm on behalf of carpooling and carsharing companies. Their clients should welcome an opportunity to lower the cost of the trip by pushing generator pedals and thus refilling the vehicle’s main battery. The more you pedal, the higher the discount.
Frankly, we are impatient to see just what kind of reception this news will have.
In early 2018, the company introduced a prototype self-driving vehicle named Toyota e-Palette. The vehicle looks well-suited for carpooling and carsharing purposes and can be retrofitted for use in courier services, food delivery etc. Extensive tests of the technology start in two years from now.
Photo: autoguide.com