One of the world's most popular car brands has been awarded funding from Labour to see whether lightweight electric vehicles could play a role in the future of motoring.
A Toyota-led consortium has secured £15million in funding from the UK Government for a feasibility study which will look into micromobility.
Through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and the DRIVE35 programme, the funding will help Toyota Manufacturing UK to explore "next generation mobility".
It aims to improve the understanding of the needs of urban populations and how it can work alongside the shift to net zero.
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The study will take place at Toyota's Burnaston facility in Derby, with the University of Derby set to test any outcomes from the research.
Toyota states that the study will cover innovations that could support the switch to zero emission vehicles.
This includes an integrated solar roof, which has been designed and developed by Savcor, as well as enhanced digital connectivity.
It will also look at how future vehicles could make use of recycled, lightweight and sustainable materials.
Dariusz Mikolajczak, TMUK Managing Director, said: "We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important study.
The Toyota FT-Me concept car has secured Government funding | TOYOTA"The 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 study acknowledges TMUK's overall project excellence and will further strengthen our members' capabilities."
The announcement follows the unveiling of the FT-Me micromobility concept from Toyota, which was officially showcased in March earlier this year.
The micro electric vehicle was designed to meet the challenges seen in urban areas, including space, charging capabilities and price.
While the vehicle is less than 2.5 metres in length, the compact EV has two seats and is designed to focus on manoeuvrability.
The Toyota FT-Me concept car is small enough to fit in half a parking space
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The FT-Me concept takes up only half of a standard parking space and could take up just one-third of the spot when parked sideways.
Toyota highlighted that the vehicle can also offer mobility options for holders of entry-level driving licences, where motorists could be as young as 14 in certain markets.
The FT-Me is designed to include a solar panel roof, which is capable of adding between 20km and 30km of driving range every day in urban settings.
This could remove the burden of plugging in for many drivers, especially if they live in an area with a lack of charging options.
The FT-Me has a solar panel roof that could add 30km of charge in a day
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Commenting on the development of the FT-Me, Stijn Peeters, head of new mobility projects at Toyota, said: "This is a big piece in the wider mobility jigsaw."
The FT-Me is expected to have a range of around 100km, with its main micro-car rival being the Citroen Ami, which retails from £7,695.
The Ami is just 2.41 metres long and less than 140 centimetres wide, making it suitable for parking and manoeuvrability, especially in urban areas where space is limited.
Drivers can expect a top speed of 27.9mph, with the quadricycle having an electric range of 46 miles, according to the World Motorcycle Test Cycle.
Alongside Savcor and the University of Derby, Toyota Motor Europe will also be partnering with ELM Mobility Ltd as part of the consortium.