Toyota-led consortium secures UK government funding for micromobility feasibility study
Toyota, as lead of a consortium, has secured UK government funding to undertake a feasibility study for a lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in the L6e category
Evaluation will be led by Toyota Manufacturing UK in Derby and includes partner evaluations of a solar roof, advanced connectivity, and sustainable lightweight materials
Inspired by the FT-Me concept, the project illustrates Toyota’s continued quest to identify sustainable urban mobility solutions as part of its ’Mobility for All’ vision
Brussels, 15 October 2025 – Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is leading a consortium of partners to evaluate the feasibility of a lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototype in the L6e category. Partners in the consortium have secured funding from the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme via the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) - a non-profit organisation supporting the development of zero emission technologies and new mobility concepts.
As many European cities reimagine their infrastructure to support low-carbon environments, this feasibility study illustrates Toyota’s ongoing commitment to exploring next-generation mobility solutions. The project aims to improve understanding of the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport.
The new vehicle study will be undertaken at TMUK’s facility in Derby, with its outcomes to be tested at the University of Derby - a consortium member supporting this research project as part of its net-zero carbon ambitions. The feasibility study will encompass a range of innovative areas, including an integrated solar roof - designed and developed by Savcor - and enhanced digital connectivity. The study will also evaluate solutions to optimise circularity through the use of recycled lightweight, sustainable materials. It will also explore the potential for component commonisation with ELM’s lightweight last-mile solution.
Drawing inspiration from the FT-Me concept, unveiled in March 2025 as Toyota’s vision for future micromobility in Europe, the study builds on the positive public response to the concept’s design and purpose. The study also aims to explore and validate how Toyota’s vision can be translated into a viable proposition that is aligned with the company’s environmental and mobility goals.
The consortium includes:
- ELM Mobility Limited – designer and producer of a purpose-built urban last mile delivery vehicle.
- Savcor - to lead the solar PV lightweight roof design and integration.
- 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.
We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important feasibility study. This 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 project acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen the capabilities of our members.
About the Advanced Propulsion Centre
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) collaborates with UK government, the automotive industry, and academia to facilitate driving research and investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Established in 2013 and jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the automotive industry, the APC accelerates the technologies that support the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and towards a net-zero automotive supply chain in the UK.
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 further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.
ELM Mobility Limited will study the platform and components for commonisation, aiming to reduce dual development and creating economies-of-scale. The collaboration will support ELM’s strategy of utilising 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, market demand opportunities along with user engagement and experience, the University of Derby will explore how novel technologies will be adopted and accepted such that micromobility reaches the most appropriate users and locations, maximising accessibility and effectiveness.
Savcor will study a PV lightweight integrated roof solution, using their expertise in PV technology and vehicle integration. As partner of 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% creating a solution that supports average daily use without charging.
Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota, GR (Gazoo Racing) and Lexus vehicles and parts and accessories, as well as Toyota’s European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly employs over 26,000 people and has invested over EUR 12 billion in Europe since 1990. Its eight European manufacturing plants are located in Portugal, the UK, France, Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey. Today, there are approximately 14.7 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles on European roads, whose drivers are supported by a network of 28 National Marketing and Sales Companies and around 2,800 retail sales outlets in 53 countries (EU, UK, EFTA countries , Israel, Turkey and other Eastern European countries). In 2024, TME sold 1,217,132 vehicles in Europe for a 7.1% market share. For more information, visit www.toyota-europe.com.
Toyota believes that when people are free to move, anything is possible. In the pursuit of "Mobility for All", Toyota aims to create safer, more connected, inclusive and sustainable mobility to achieve its mission of producing “Happiness for All”. In Europe, TME launched the KINTO mobility brand which offers a range of mobility services in 20 countries, and is growing its business-to-business sales of zero-emission fuel cell products and engineering support. Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Toyota is working to achieve carbon neutrality in its entire business across Europe. A historic leader in CO2 reduction in Europe, TME aims to achieve 100% CO2 reduction in all new vehicles in Western Europe by 2035 and will continue to offer a full range of electrified powertrains to customers across the region with its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles.