Tag: MiEV

  • Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III Pikes Peak

    Mitsubishi has announced the MiEV Evolution III, which will compete at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The race car is an improved and evolved version of last year’s MiEV Evolution II.

    The MiEV Evo III comes with improved battery, high-output electric motor and electric powered 4WD consisting of four electric motors have been retained with improvements made to give better motive and cornering performance.

    The curb weight is also reduced thanks to rationalizing and replacing some structural materials. The power of the four motor has been boosted from 544HP (400 kW) to 612HP (450 kW) and to ensure all the extra power is put down on the road surface the tires have been uprated in size from 260/650 R18 to 330/680 R18.

    Accordingly downforce has been increased with a new carbon cowl design and with wind-tunnel optimization of the spoiler and other detail shapes. Evolutionary development of the S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system has improved traction control performance and has reduced wheel slip by controlling vehicle attitude more precisely when near the limit of adhesion.

    All improvements allow the race driver to benefit from the full potential of the car.

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution II at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

    Mitsubishi will return to the EV Division of the prestigious 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a pair of 100% electric-powered MiEV Evolution II race cars, set to compete on June 30th near Colorado Springs, CO.

    The MiEV Evolution II is described as a “purpose-built prototype racing machine”, which benefits from the knowledge gained from last year’s i-MiEV Evolution. The model adopts a tubular frame chassis and an aerodynamic carbon fiber body that produces additional downforce.

    The MiEV Evolution II is powered by 4 electric motors with a combined power of 544HP (400 kW), which is 216HP more than the original i-MiEV Evolution. Other improvements include Super All-Wheel Control and Active Yaw Control which optimally controls the yaw moment to generate best handling and cornering capabilities.

    The electric motors are powered by a next-generation 50 kWh lithium-ion battery with carbon fiber reinforced polymer construction and a new cooling system that is lighter and more effective than the one used in last year’s model. The battery has been placed lower in the car to reduce the center of gravity.

    Drivers will be the Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka and Pikes Peak motorcycle champion Greg Tracy .

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • Mitsubishi i-MiEV will go on sale in December in Europe

    The European version of i-MiEV full electric car will be introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, which will be at Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles in Paris, France from Thursday, September 30th to Sunday, October 17th (open to the general public from Saturday, October 2nd).

    The Euro-spec Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be put on sale from December of this year in 14 countries including France, the United Kingdom, Germany. (more…)

  • Mitsubishi and PSA: one step further towards electric vehicles for Europe

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced today that both companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding collaboration on electric vehicles based on a vehicle currently under development by MMC in Japan. (more…)

  • MMC provides i MiEV electric vehicles for use at G8 Summit

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that it would provide 10 i MiEV*1 electric vehicles for official use at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. The electric vehicles will be used as transport for visiting world leaders and members of the media. Additionally, the vehicles will comprise one part of an on-site display*2 and test drive. (more…)

  • Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT

    Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORTBased on the i MiEV,*1 the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors’s environmental technology, the i MiEV SPORT maximizes the sporty possibilities of the zero-emissions electric vehicle. The high power and environmental performance of its electric motors make it an exhilarating drive that delivers superior environmental performance.

    Design

    The “fastback” exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that is pleasing and lively. An efficient, environmentally friendly electric vehicle thanks to its compact size, it also possesses exceptionally fluid styling. A simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home. Geometry, metallic materials and body epitomize the futuristic electric vehicle. Interior lighting, too, has been carefully thought out, with the use of many blue LEDs suggestive of nature, creating a sophisticated, cutting-edge atmosphere.

    The light green exterior marks another association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind. The interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.

    Packaging

    Like the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout. Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment. This layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower center of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.

    Body Structure

    An aluminum space frame — a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting — is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight.

    The optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilizing Mitsubishi’s latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realizes excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.

    Powertrain / S-AWC

    The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the “i MiEV” system. An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor. In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.

    Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology

    Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT. Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down. Much of the lighting is by bright, power-saving LEDs, including in the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior, and the efficiency of the air conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass. In addition, Green Plastic — Mitsubishi Motors’ unique plant-based resin technology — is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.