Japanese automaker, Toyota, has taken a bold step in ensuring inclusive and sustainable transport for the 2024 Paris Olympics, providing a diverse fleet of electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as accessible scooters, to facilitate the movement of athletes and officials.
As the official mobility partner of the Olympic Games, Toyota aims to embody its vision of “mobility for all,” ensuring fair and equitable transport across the city. “When everyone is free to move, we are one step closer to the inclusive and sustainable society that Toyota is committed to building. That is what ‘Mobility for All’ means to us at Toyota,” said Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. “We share this vision with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. We want to support the athletes who devote their lives to sports and remove barriers to exercise their freedom to move.”
In a ceremonial event in March, Nakata handed over the keys to the first cars in the Olympic fleet to Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet. “We are proud to see how our partner Toyota is committed to delivering support to our sustainability efforts at the Olympic Games,” Estanguet remarked. “Together, we are driving innovation and promoting excellence both on and off the field of play, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.”
Accessible People Movers
Toyota is introducing 250 Accessible People Movers (APMs) specifically designed for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. These low-speed, short-distance battery electric vehicles are intended to provide last-mile services and cater to individuals with accessibility needs, including athletes, visitors, and staff. The APMs will also assist in transporting small goods and offer emergency relief support if needed. With a range of 62 miles and a top speed of 12.4 mph, these vehicles were designed in Belgium by Toyota Motor Europe and built at Toyota’s site in Caetano, Portugal.
Electric Wheelchair Solutions
Toyota will also debut a new wheelchair e-puller for the Olympic Games, converting traditional wheelchairs into battery-powered mobility solutions. Developed in collaboration with Austrian mobility startup Klaxon, about 50 units will be available in the Paralympic Village, and at least 150 units will be used during the Paralympic Opening Ceremony. These e-pullers can cover an average range of 15.5 miles, with reduced speed during official events.
Mobility Scooters
To further enhance accessibility, Toyota will provide its C+Walk S mobility scooter for event employees with disabilities. These scooters, powered by lithium-ion batteries, can navigate sidewalks and roads at typical human walking speeds. They are equipped with obstacle-detection features to avoid collisions. Approximately 250 units will be available, along with the standing version, C+walkT, both capable of speeds up to 4 mph.
Hydrogen Vehicles
Aligning with the Olympic commitment to reducing emissions, Toyota will supply 500 Mirai vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. These mid-sized vehicles emit zero emissions, with water as the only byproduct. The Mirai cars will also feature Toyota’s Human Machine Interface (HMI), providing in-vehicle infotainment experiences. Post-Olympics, all 500 vehicles will be incorporated into Paris’ hydrogen taxi fleet.
Additionally, Toyota plans to introduce hydrogen-powered solutions beyond traditional automobiles, including specially designed boats, buses, and a prototype of its Hilux pickup trucks, supporting both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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