Toyota KAYOIBAKO: An adorable micro camper van of the future
This concept based on a multi-platform vehicle sketches what the small recreational vehicles of the future could look like.
You know that we love everything related to camper vans or any kind of recreational vehicle. It doesn't matter if it's a motorhome or a DIY camper conversion by its owner, it's all interesting and always show us something new. In this case, the special feature comes from the size.
In Europe they are not very well known, because customers opt for larger models, but in Eastern countries such as Japan, the size of the vehicle matters a lot. If the so-called 'kei cars' exist due to government regulations in the Land of the Rising Sun, Toyota is anticipating the future and is proposing a very curious concept car. It is called KAYOIBAKO and is a preview of the micro-camper of the future.
Gallery: Toyota KAYOIBAKO concept (2023)
Less than 4 metres long, the Toyota KAYOIBAKO is based on an ultra-versatile van platform that also functions as a goods vehicle, microbus or mini food-truck. In all cases, it is based on a 100% electric powertrain structure.
This prototype debuted a year ago at the Japan Mobility Show and has gone unnoticed by Western recreational vehicle enthusiasts. However, this vehicle concept is gaining more and more traction. Toyota considers the van a "quality basic mobility unit" and it is basically a blank base on which each customer can modularly 'build' his or her dream vehicle.
KAYOIBAKO, the electric micro-van of the future
In this case, we have looked at the Adventure configuration, which would be a year-round electric micro-camper. Toyota has included a Saharan roof rack to hold equipment and cargo, a rear ladder to access the 186 cm high roof and a side roof rack to carry water and fuel cans.
Toyota offers different ways of using the cabin space. For example, for the 'conversion' the Japanese giant worked in collaboration with the Japanese home and lifestyle company D&Department. The living module is more than 2.1 metres long up to the back of the driver's seat and more than 3.1 metres on the opposite side (without passenger seat), so the van could accommodate a double bed, despite its small size.
Logically, due to its size, the KAYOIBAKO lacks a kitchen or toilet, which is essential for any camper van. However, this can be overcome with some form of gas cooker and a portable toilet. In its country of origin, there is a parallel market of accessories to provide this type of vehicle with ingenious solutions adapted to such a small space.
And for the more 'tech-savvy' customers, Toyota's solution of a curved digital multi-screen HMI infotainment display that occupies the full width of the dashboard, located between the windscreen and the lower transparent dashboard panel, plus a (smaller) auxiliary display next to the steering wheel, will be appreciated.
Will the KAYOIBAKO ever become a marketable vehicle? At the moment, it is only a concept proposal, but considering that Toyota already offers the Hilux Champ, a multi-function mini pick-up in some Eastern markets, the option of a future multi-platform electric van makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
More micro campers:
Source: Toyota
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