Toyota shows self-driving electric van for athletes transport at Tokyo Games

Toyota will use its previously unveiled concept for an autonomously-driving, electrically-powered shuttle bus in a modified form to transport athletes during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. The range is approximately 150 km.

Toyota says it will use 20 copies of the so-called e-Palette during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be held in Tokyo next year. According to the manufacturer, the shuttle bus has been specially adapted based on feedback from athletes and the means of transport is also specifically suitable for wheelchair users. The van will run a fixed route during the Games next year to transport athletes and their assistants.

Left the headlights at normal, continuous speed. In addition, the change of the lamps when the van stops to give priority to someone.

The e-Palette is a self-driving vehicle with autonomy level 4, which means that the van can in principle function autonomously for the entire journey. Nevertheless, there is still a driver on every journey who can steer the vehicle manually if necessary. For autonomous driving, the van is equipped with sensors, cameras and lidar. The entire environment around the e-Palette is scanned for obstacles, adjusting the speed to the conditions. In addition, the vehicle is fitted with lamps at the front and rear that, according to Toyota, imitate eye contact with pedestrians and thus inform them about the maneuvers the vehicle is making.

The vehicle runs on batteries, has a maximum speed of 20 km/h and measures 5.26×2.07×2.76m. The e-Palette can accommodate twenty passengers, or a maximum of four wheelchair users and seven standing passengers. The e-Palette will be finally unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.