A novel, lightweight, innovative battery electric micromobility project

Toyota’s UK plant will develop a lightweight battery electric micro-vehicle with a solar roof, designed for short urban trips. The project aims to produce a ready-to-manufacture design that meets rising demand for eco-friendly micromobility while using sustainable materials that can be recovered and recycled at end of life. This matters because most electric vehicles remain heavy and expensive, limiting their use for short city journeys where smaller, lighter options could cut emissions more efficiently. If successful, the vehicle could strengthen the UK’s supply chain for zero-emission transport and secure jobs at Toyota’s Burnaston site. The project also positions the UK as a leader in advanced automotive manufacturing and sustainable urban mobility. The impact is primarily industrial and economic: it supports domestic production, opens new market opportunities, and helps shift urban transport away from fossil fuels without requiring large, costly battery packs.