As the global mobility partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Toyota unveiled two mobility products (BEVs) in December 2023 to transport people at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
The Accessible People Movers (APMs) and wheelchair e-pullers will be used during the event to transport athletes and their families, staff, volunteers, and spectators. A few of the 250 APMs will also be used in the movement of small-scale goods and for emergency response. Designed in Belgium by Toyota Motor Europe, the APMs are produced in Portugal by Toyota Caetano.
To power the APMs, Toyota has chosen Valeo’s 48V eAccess technology. The Japanese automaker opted for the Valeo eAccess Belt 14, an all-in-one solution (motor, inverter, and reducer) that allows the APMs to operate at 20km/h (max.) for about 100km on a full charge. The system combines a 13.5kW generator, a ribbed elastic belt, and a gear reducer for propulsion.
Valeo’s proven eAccess technology is already in use in products like the Citroën Ami, Indian three-wheeler manufacturer Atul Auto’s products, and the BMW CE02 electric two-wheeler, to name a few.
Sharing his thoughts on the matter, Christophe Périllat, Valeo’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are delighted that Toyota has chosen Valeo eAccess technology to power the APM electric shuttles. This confirms the relevance of Valeo’s strategy when it comes to exploring ever more sustainable and affordable technologies. Valeo will contribute with their technologies to make this major sporting event more sustainable while providing spectators and delegations with a mobility experience adapted to the Parisian environment.“