Toyota Manufacturing UK is leading a consortium to develop a lightweight micro-mobility electric vehicle with a PV roof, digital connectivity, and sustainable components, aiming to extend driving range by 20%. The project, supported by the University of Derby researchers and funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade with £15 million, focuses on creating a last-mile L6e-type vehicle with integrated solar PV. Partners in the consortium will collaborate on shared components to reduce costs and create economies of scale. This initiative aligns with other similar projects like the European Giants consortium and the French Croisière Verte team's use of portable solar with lightweight electric vehicles.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/10/28/uk-team-developing-tinyvipv/