The Toyota COMS is a very small, single-seater electric vehicle (EV) developed by Toyota Auto Body (a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation) in Japan.
“COMS-X Smart Delivery Vehicle” is essentially a commercial/utility variant of the COMS micro-EV platform, tailored for light-duty delivery and last-mile applications. In other words: a compact EV with a delivery box or container, built for urban logistics rather than private commuter use.
Vehicle class & platform
- Single-seat (1-person) micro-EV.
- Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout (at least in earlier generation).
- Designed for urban / intra-city use, very compact dimensions.
Performance & battery (for COMS)*
- Second-generation COMS spec: motor output approx. 5 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor.
- Battery technology: early models used lead-acid; later units upgraded. Range: approx. 50 km (JC08 rating) for 2nd-gen COMS.
- Weight: ~420 kg (second generation) in passenger version.
- Speed: designed for city speeds, not high-performance.
Delivery version modifications
- A “large delivery box (approx. 370 litres capacity)” was offered as a business-use option – this shows the COMS can be adapted to carry cargo rather than just the driver.
- With the extra box and commercial use, key modifications likely include stronger suspension, chassis reinforcement, custom cargo box mount, and possibly altered gearing or powertrain calibration for load-carry rather than just minimal commuter use.
- Very compact size allows for tight urban navigation, parking, and possibly use in pedestrian-zone logistics.
Use-case performance characteristics
- Because of low speed and short range, ideal for last-mile delivery (within city blocks) rather than long highway routes.
- The reduced weight and small size give energy efficiency advantages in stop-and-go urban conditions.
- Lower running costs (EV vs fossil fuel), minimal thermal management given low speed envelope.
- Smaller footprint means easier parking/charging and less space required in urban plazas or narrow roads.
Use-Case Examples & Applications
Here are how organisations might use (or are using) this kind of vehicle in real-world delivery / logistics contexts:
- Urban courier / parcel delivery
A small logistics operator in a dense Japanese city might deploy several COMS delivery units during off-peak hours. Because the vehicle is narrow, has minimal turning radius and fits in small parking spots or service lanes, it can deliver parcels, documents or small packages in commercial districts where access is constrained. The cargo box (370 litres) is enough for perhaps a dozen medium-sized parcels rather than full-size vans. - Foodservice / “micro-van” delivery
For pizza, bakery items, or refrigerated shipments of small size (e.g., milk, fresh produce), the COMS delivery version can serve a route where volumes are modest but access to pedestrian zones or restricted streets is required. Toyota Auto Body specifically cited milk or pizza as example items.
Because it is electric, noise and emissions are minimal — advantageous for early-morning or evening deliveries in city centres where strict regulations might apply. - Campus or facility-internal logistics
Large campuses (universities, hospital complexes, manufacturing plants) often need small internal delivery vehicles for mail, parts or supplies. A fleet of COMS delivery units can circulate within a campus, accessing narrow internal roads, loading/unloading in compact zones, and recharging overnight via small-footprint chargers. - Mobility-as-a-service / shared delivery platforms
In a shared workforce scenario (for example, urban logistics hubs where multiple micro-deliveries are aggregated), deployment of COMS micro-EVs enables flexible assignment of delivery tasks. Because the vehicle size is small and energy usage low, charging infrastructure and operational overhead are reduced.
Strategic Implications & Advantages
- Environmental & regulatory alignment: With urban areas increasingly restricting gasoline/diesel vans and applying emissions/noise curbs, micro-EV delivery vehicles become advantaged.
- Space-efficient logistics: The smaller size means easier parking, fewer access restrictions, ability to deliver in areas where full-size vans cannot easily go.
- Lower TCO for light loads: For high-frequency but low-volume delivery, the COMS version offers lower running costs, less maintenance, and simplified logistics.
- Brand/visibility advantage: Using a specialised small EV for delivery can be a differentiator for service providers focusing on “green” credentials or urban-friendly logistics.
The COMS-based smart delivery vehicle from Toyota Auto Body offers a compelling micro-EV solution tailored for last-mile urban logistics. With its compact footprint, electric powertrain, and customisable delivery box, it addresses emerging demands for efficient, low-impact delivery in dense city environments. While its payload and range are limited compared to full-size vans, that very constraint is also its strength in constrained urban zones. For businesses with short-haul delivery cycles, constrained access, and a preference for low-emissions operation, vehicles like the COMS delivery variant provide a viable, forward-looking alternative.