Mitsubishi iMiEV
Sponsored links:
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FUEL ECONOMY:
n/a MPG n/a L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
Coupe
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TECHNOLOGY:
Electric
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BASE MSRP:
n/a
Mitsubishi plans to mass-market a small electric vehicle by 2010. As major car companies continue to introduce eco-friendly offerings in the marketplace, second-tier car manufacturers like Mitsubishi are busy playing catch up. “One of the biggest issues facing an automaker today is the problem of the environment,” said Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi. "Being able to come up with solutions to an array of environmental issues or not will decide if an auto maker can survive long into the future."
The production vehicle will most likely be a derivative of the iMiEV (Mitsubishi in-wheel Electric Vehicle) Sport Concept, which was introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, and became the latest in a line of MiEV vehicles that Mitsubishi has been developing for a number of years. The first such vehicle to be unveiled was the Colt EV in the Spring of 2005. The idea is to make affordable, viable electric vehicles, especially for those living in congested cities. This kind of technology allows higher mileage, independence from petroleum, and a positive impact to the environment. It’s the proverbial triple threat in green motoring.
The iMiEV Sport drive system uses three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels. Plus, there’s Super All Wheel Control—the company’s vehicle dynamics control system—to achieve high maneuverability. Top speed for the vehicle is 112 miles per hour, with a travel range of 124 miles. Taking advantage of its relatively long wheelbase, a lithium-ion battery is installed at the lowest area under the floor, which will grant the vehicle maximum stability, agile handling, and a more spacious interior. The iMiEV Sport concept—like most concept vehicles—has its share of eye-candy for the green geeks. The list includes a photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, power-saving LED lighting, and an air conditioning system made more efficient by the use of heat-absorbing windows. In addition, Green Plastic—Mitsubishi’s plant-based resin technology—is used for many interior components as a further effort to be as eco-friendly as possible.
It's All About the Battery
More than anything else, Mitsubishi’s plans are based on the latest advancements in battery technology. Having developed its own large-capacity high-performance lithium-ion battery—in a joint venture with GS Yuasa Corporation—Mitsubishi is confident that the technology is ready for primetime. The battery cells from the joint venture are based on the LIM series of large-format lithium ion batteries manufactured by GS Yuasa. The partners have enhanced the cell structure and electrode materials to deliver improved energy and power densities. The result is an electric car with the power and range suitable for daily driving.
Since the battery is not yet advanced enough to power a large vehicle by itself, Mitsubishi is looking into the possibility of a plug-in hybrid for a heftier fuel-efficient large vehicle. Though there is no timetable, the plug-in hybrid would come to fruition some time after the electric car hits the streets. According to Masuko, Mitsubishi has no current plans to develop a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle.
was this so hard? its pretty basic: a small electric vehicle.Combine that with clean energy generation and we got this whole global warming thing covered. I wish all of us the best of luck for a better future and hello from israel!
FINALLY.
Bravo! I may be Mitsubishi's latent attempt, but at least it's in the right direction. No oil dependency with that kind of innovation. I like their choice of green geek techno also.
Like and wondering when this consept would be produced, happy to see it. G.E.Fassauer
This looks like the perfect 'second car' or perhaps first car for a few.
Hurry it up Mitsubishi as we are waiting and willing.
Harry, Malaysia.
Cars like these need to be available now. Mitsubishi has some great ideas, but considering their standard offerings, I have to question whether their AE-cars will fall about if I slam the door too hard one day. They need to strike up a partnership with Honda or Toyota to insure that their best ideas can be immediately absorbed. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
This vehicle accomplishes the current goals and can hit the road today. Nicely Done!
Excellent work Mitsubishi.
What is needed is a vehicle's cost that fit in the customers pocket.
Why should a EV go 112 mph, just 70 mph is good enough.
Whats the cost.
I'm happy to see car manufacturers attack the Environment problems from many fronts. Well done. ;-)
Can someone help fill the void in the purpose of creating alternative energy concepts for our mainstream transporation. Are we (us, rather U.S.) more interested in paying LESS for gasoline and have no concerns burning 12 mpg?? Meaning if gasoline were always cheap, would we ever embrace hybrids, etc.?? If we are attempting to "save" the environment, then are we to focus only on electric vehicles and bio-diesel?? The answer to either question poses a logical solution for either scenario. Let's hear it folks!!
I like the concept, but here’s a reality check – we’ve had electric vehicles around for years! The speed is impressive, but that is not what a practical energy saver is looking for. The range is average for electric at best. Not to mention the potentially stressful situation one could end up in if stuck in traffic being dangerously close to needing a recharge. It is still just not practical for most to have a vehicle like this for typical commuting.
I have been impressed by the growing sales of hybrid vehicles recently, but whether we like it or not, only the average Joe will drive real change by putting his money on the table. R&D costs a lot of money and the solution REALLY isn’t that simple. Energy is just not free and cannot be truly 100% renewable or perpetual. Even in the natural environment there is always a price to pay for energy. Most likely the change to better technology will only come from consumers realizing it is costing them too much money to drive their gas guzzler on daily commutes – no matter how cool they feel behind the wheel of their big 4-wheel drive, 20-valve truck/tank.
Sorry for the rabbit trail… sticking to the Mitsubishi article, I believe the most exciting part of this story was that Mitsubishi is ‘possibly’ looking into producing a plug-in hybrid. I’m a bit pessimistic about these kinds of announcements from automakers though. I doubt Mitsubishi is serious, so hopefully Honda will once again pioneer a practical plug-in concept to the market, only later to have Toyota to perfect it. ;-) Go Prius!
Rod,
Don't worry about being stuck in the traffic. it's the same with petrol cars. Can you refill your petrol cars if you're stuck in the traffic and run out of gas? And I believe, like Prius, electric cars will turn off the motor instead of idling in red traffic lights.
Electricity can be produced by many renewable sources, and in large scale, ie, high efficiency.
I imagine a future that every roof will have some panels of high efficient solar panels to collect the "free and clean" power from the sun. From there you can do whatever with the electricity, eg filling up your cars.
;-)
I would love to have this for a daily driver. And keep my gas-guzzling truck for trips to the hardware store and vacations.
There are several practical issues that have not been resolved for the typical commuter in the electric car and the Li-Ion battery. The one scenario I mentioned with being stuck in traffic is somewhat the same as the situation with a petrol vehicle, with one big exception – where do you ‘refuel’? You currently cannot stop at the local electric refueling station because there is no such infrastructure. And even if you did, pack a lunch because it is going to take a while. As for the vehicle turning off during periods of inactivity, indeed it would or should, but you are then powering all of your creature comforts directly off the battery (e.g. radio, A/C, fan, etc).
That being said, if there was an electric vehicle that was able to make significant increases in range and reduction in size and weight for the battery, then I would be completely on board. The problem is there has not been that much improvement in the technology since it rolled out decades ago. If there was at least a vehicle with a small enough battery that you could actually have a couple extra on hand to recharge while at work or at home, then we would certainly be onto something. Of course that is just ‘crazy talk’ at the moment. There are limits to what the batteries can do and how much current is required to power the equipment on board to make a small battery feasible.
I do have high hopes for our future though. More people are starting to invest in energy saving products. And with investment, even if you decide that an electric car with average energy performance is the car for you, this will still help funnel more money into the R&D for these projects. The problem currently is and has been the efficiency and expense of products like solar and electric vehicles. Until engineers are able to make huge gains in efficiency for these products, then we are not making true steps forward, we are simply dancing with a dream.
Wow, there are realists and there are pessimists. Rod is a pessimist. I have run out of gas because I let it get to low. Same with battery power. The range is good since most commuters drive 40 miles or less per day. Advancements in solar cells have made it possible to put solar film on any surface, including the top of your car. Maybe you park your car in the sun instead of under a tree and your battery stays charged. The only problem I see with this car is the size. I would buy it but most Americans would think it was death on wheels.
nice thinking. looks like a smart and electric car put together. If you guys manage to make a hybrid engine for a Boeing 747 or Airbus A319, ill be surprised
IT,s wonderfull car.
AND IT LOOKS GOOD TOO!
i think there is many solution s for all what rod and bob said , re the period of ‘refuel’ i think you can exchange a full charge battery from many known points you can replace your empty batteries with anther one full charge .
also i suggest to making companies providing this service iin all the roads and you can pay every month or by credit card for exchange your batteries while your long or short trip to keep your moving smooth and easy , this will make the such this companies owned this batteries and will developed a new technologies to make it easy to exchange once you visit the refuel’ station only 3 minute to exchange the empty batteries with full one
How bout a 1/4 liter highly efficient lightweight gas generator, range extender option. Would add maybe 75 pounds to to vehicle, can have just a 2 gallon tank and add 100 miles of range for those who think 100 mile range isn't enough? Would you pay an extra $2000 to have that option, while dropping all electric range to 80 Miles (due to extra weight) Yet have an total range of 180 Miles and 95% all electric driving? I would. Although I would also be ok with just a 100 mile all electric, which would meet 95% of my needs. Although working from home I barely need a car anymore at all.
As more people work at home(it is a growing trend) the need for cars and oil will decrease.
on that note
Home based businesses earning money are usually not traded on the stock market, these home based businesses are taking profits away from publicly traded companies, hurting performance of publicly traded companies, so is the economy so bad?...declining for major retailers, and old market companies, yes but there is great opportunity for the entrepreneur
Why do all energy smart cars, no matter what they are, all look so freaking retarded. i would never drive this simply because it looks dumb. i dont care how "green" it is...
alternative fuel cars sound great, but ethenol cars or flexfuel cars, very few sources of this fuel are available. i live in a major metropolitan area and there is 1 location you can purchase ethenol!!!!! I live in Texas and this being a very large state, there is only 3 ethenol stations in the entire State!!! No one will buy a car when they can't get the fuel it needs!!
R&D like this is a good idea. Remember though, that production of electric cars will mean an order of magnitude increase in the number and size of batteries.
This in turn, will increase heavy metals in the air (mining and refining lead, nickel, and cadmium ores) and in water contamination from battery disposal. Millions and millions of batteries.
Good work guys, We'd like to know the cost of the car is similar to the Tatanano.
Home all over the world should buy one.
they must make these things affordable or forget about it!
I would love a small affordable electric vehicle! I love my little gas powered car but if I could get an electric---- oh yeah. But I've looked and looked, most are huge, and even the small ones available now are in the $50,000 range. So I guess I'm still waiting....
I would most certainly buy this car when available. I would use this a my daily running around car.
I'm ready for such an electric car.
My wife and I would use our current Prius for 'trips' and the small electric for the remaining 95% of our driving - within 40 miles of our home. Trips to the grocery store, cleaners, hardware store - you name it. These trips would be even more efficient since a regular car is far less efficient in city driving.
We currently have a large photovoltaic array on the roof of our solar home, so using renewable energy would complete the renewable circuit.
I'm charged!
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