Unveiled at CES 2018, the new e-Palette Alliance will leverage Toyota’s proprietary Mobility Services Platform (MSPF) to develop a suite of connected mobility solutions and a flexible, purpose-built vehicle.
The new alliance will create a broad-based ecosystem of hardware and software support designed to help a range of companies utilise advanced mobility technology to better serve customers. Launch partners include Amazon, DiDi, Mazda, Pizza Hut and Uber, who will collaborate on vehicle planning, application concepts and vehicle verification activities.
In the near term, the Alliance will focus on the development of the new e-Palette concept vehicle, also unveiled at CES 2018. It is a fully automated, next-generation battery electric vehicle designed to be scalable and customisable for a range of mobility-service businesses. The e-Palette concept also demonstrates Toyota’s continued commitment to partnership and flexibility.
In addition to supporting the services provided through Toyota’s MSPF, the e-Palette’s open vehicle control interface and set of software tools allow partner companies to install their own automated driving system and vehicle management technology. When a partner company’s automated driving system is installed, Toyota’s Guardian technology will act as a safety net to help ensure appropriate operation.
With its open interior design layout, the vehicle can be outfitted with purpose-built interiors in accordance with the user’s needs, whether it be parcel delivery, ride sharing, or on-the-road e- commerce. Its flexible framework is also designed for usage optimisation, allowing the e-Palette to be shared to support various business needs and transition seamlessly from one application to another. Toyota envisions that the e-Palette will be made available in three sizes, allowing not just need-specific applications, but also right-size and right-place mobile solutions. 
Read about Ford’s Last Mile Mobility Challenge.
Read about Hyundai Motor’s think-tank that explores future mobility solutions.
