Toyota has officially introduced a highly unusual product that blurs the line between public transport and multipurpose mobility solutions. Known as the Toyota e-Palette, this fully electric shuttle is designed with adaptability in mind, able to operate as both an autonomous transport pod and a mobile service or retail hub. After years of appearing in concept form and serving as prototypes at special events, the e-Palette has finally gone on sale in Japan. However, its hefty price tag is likely to surprise even Toyota’s most devoted followers.
The origins of this project date back to 2018, when the e-Palette made its debut at CES as a bold, futuristic concept. A second version was developed for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, where it transported athletes and staff around event sites. Building on these early trials, Toyota refined the design over the following years, eventually shaping it into the production-ready variant that is now available.
From a design standpoint, the e-Palette remains faithful to the concept. Its styling is deliberately symmetrical and boxy, with oversized windows and tiny wheels that emphasize its identity as a shuttle. The exterior features a “friendly” front fascia, highlighted by circular LED headlights, customizable digital signage, and a repositioned Toyota logo just above the bumper intake. For the production version, Toyota added practical touches such as larger side windows and slim turn indicators integrated into the windshield frame. The rear mirrors the front design but swaps in red LED taillights and solid corner pillars.
Inside, the production model has evolved significantly compared to earlier versions. Unlike the prototypes that only offered seating for passengers, the road-ready e-Palette includes a central driving position with a yoke-style steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system. The cockpit is equipped with multiple screens: a central instrument display, an infotainment monitor to the right, another touchscreen on the left, and a fourth screen dedicated to cabin monitoring. While most systems are digital, Toyota retained physical buttons for essential functions, arranged on twin control panels.
Accessibility is a major focus. The low, height-adjustable floor, wide sliding doors, and deployable ramp make the e-Palette especially convenient for wheelchair users and parents with strollers. The seating layout accommodates up to 17 occupants, including 12 standing passengers, four seated, and the driver. Folding seats in the center and optional wheelchair locks add flexibility. Buyers can also choose to install a large digital overhead display, reinforcing its similarity to modern public buses. More importantly, the interior is highly customizable, enabling it to transform into a food truck, entertainment lounge, or retail space. Toyota envisions the e-Palette serving multiple roles in a single day, such as carrying commuters in the morning, functioning as a mobile shop at midday, and acting as a viewing pod at night.
In terms of dimensions, the e-Palette measures 4,950 mm long, similar to a Land Cruiser Prado, but stands much taller and wider at 2,080 mm by 2,650 mm. Its boxy profile and weight of 2,950 kg underline its shuttle-like proportions. Power comes from a single electric motor rated at 201 horsepower and 266 Nm of torque, enough for a top speed of 80 km/h—a significant leap over the 20 km/h Olympic prototype. A 72.82 kWh battery supplies a driving range of around 250 km, with fast charging bringing it to 80% in 40 minutes, or about 12 hours on a household outlet. It can also serve as an emergency power supply in disaster scenarios.
While early prototypes highlighted full autonomy, the production e-Palette currently offers Level 2 driver assistance. Toyota, however, stresses that it is “automation ready,” as customers can purchase an Automated Driving Kit from third-party providers. The company is planning real-world demonstrations with local governments, with the goal of introducing Level 4 autonomy by 2027–2028.
The most striking aspect of the e-Palette is its cost. In Japan, it starts at ¥29 million (about $196,400), making it more expensive than the luxurious Toyota Century SUV. With subsidies from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, the price can drop by nearly half, but it still remains one of Toyota’s most expensive vehicles. Production will be strictly built-to-order, explaining the steep pricing. Initially, deployment will be limited to areas like Toyota Arena Tokyo and the company’s futuristic Woven City project.
With its blend of futuristic design, flexible usage, and forward-looking technology, the e-Palette represents Toyota’s boldest step yet into redefining mobility.