Toyota iRoad Can Help Improve Congestion in Large Cities

Living near a large city like Washington DC has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is traffic. I would love to head downtown more often for events during the day, but the traffic is often what keeps me away. While I was at CES, I saw the Toyota iRoad technology in person.

Taken by Michele McGraw at CES 2014

What is iRoad?

​iRoad is ultra compact three-wheeler electronic vehicle (EV.) The vehicle is not yet available to buy, but Toyota just began testing it in Toyota City, Japan in March, 2014.

Photo Supplied by Toyota

The vehicle is very small, so I can see how this would help with congestion and parking in cities. If I do make it into the city, the second hurdle is always parking.

iRoad Commuting

The iRoad is part of a larger public transportation system and meant for short trips. You can fit 2 people in the vehicle, so you could take your child to school. Having this option as a way to get to work, would make commuting in large cities much easier.

Photo Supplied by Toyota

Toyota is working to use the iRoad as part of a car-sharing program in Grenoble, France by the end of 2014. Those who have had a chance to test drive the iRoad in Toyota City, Japan felt it was easy to drive and even the leaning of the vehicle when you turn is something they quickly adapted to.

Photo taken by Michele McGraw at CES 2014

I like to see that Toyota is looking at some of the problems we have today and actively working to solve the problems using technology.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Toyota. The opinions and text are all mine.