Former Toyota Designer Develops Fabric-Based Electric City Car

Japan’s Rimono Corp. has developed a tiny electric concept car with body panels made from polyester cotton.

The company, which was formed two years ago by former Toyota Motor Corp. designer Kota Nezu, aims to have a production version of the EV ready in about a year. It demonstrated a prototype model recently at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Designed for crowded urban areas, the kiddy car-sized tandem two-seater measures just 86 inches from bumper to bumper. The waterproof polyester cotton is similar to the material used to make tarps.

The car is powered by a 4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 5-kW electric motor that provides a driving range of 31 miles and a top speed of 28 mph, according to the developer. The battery pack is designed to be easily removed and replaced with a fresh pack during recharging.

The EV rides on scooter-type wheels covered by plastic hubcaps. Other features include a handlebar steering wheel, a minimalist instrument cluster and an iPad mounted on the dashboard that serves as the vehicle’s navigation and infotainment system.

Nezu worked for Toyota from 1992 to 2005, before starting his own consulting business called Znug Design Inc. He also worked with Toyota on this year’s Setsuna concept car, which featured a wood exterior and interior.