Toyota Motor Corporation has officially launched the e-Palette, a next-generation autonomous electric vehicle (EV) designed to serve a variety of functions, including shuttle services, delivery operations, and mobile retail. Priced at ¥29 million (approximately ₹1.25 crore), the vehicle is now available for orders in Japan, with government subsidies potentially reducing the cost by up to ¥15.8 million (around ₹65 lakh).
The e-Palette emphasizes adaptability and user convenience, with a spacious interior that can be reconfigured for passengers or cargo. Its dimensions—4,950 mm in length, 2,080 mm in width, and 2,650 mm in height—offer ample room for flexible deployment. Powered by a 72.82 kWh lithium-ion battery, the EV delivers a cruising range of approximately 250 km and can recharge to 80% capacity in 40 minutes, supporting high-efficiency urban operations.
Initially, the vehicle will operate with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, with plans to upgrade to Level 4 autonomy by 2027, enabling fully driverless operation. Key technological features include a steer-by-wire system, digital signage for flexible communication, and bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing the e-Palette to act as a mobile energy source when stationary.
Toyota is collaborating with multiple partners to ensure smooth deployment. The vehicle integrates autonomous driving hardware and software from ADK, compatible with Toyota’s vehicle control interface. Additionally, the company is working closely with dealerships, automated driving partners, and local governments to facilitate operations and adoption of the e-Palette across urban and commercial applications.
The launch of the e-Palette underlines Toyota’s commitment to sustainable, flexible, and autonomous mobility solutions. By offering a multipurpose EV capable of supporting diverse operational needs, Toyota aims to lead the transformation toward electric and autonomous transportation, with plans to expand availability internationally in the coming years.
This initiative positions Toyota at the forefront of the next-generation mobility ecosystem, combining electrification, automation, and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of urban transport and commercial logistics.