MIEV

MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle) or MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) /ˈmiːv/[1] is the name given by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) to its alternative propulsion technologies.[2] From late 2006, “MiEV” encompasses all of Mitsubishi Motors’s electric drive systems work, including lithium-ion batteries, in-wheel motors and other technologies related to electric vehicle(EV), hybrid-electric vehicle and fuel-cell vehicles.[3]

Mitsubishi's MIEV logo

The Mitsubishi In-wheel motor was first introduced in the Mitsubishi Colt EV, a Colt-based concept car first exhibited at 2005 Tokyo Motor Show which used a series of lithium-ion batteries to power electric motors located in the wheels.[4] Subsequent electrically powered vehicles have included a 200 kW Lancer Evolution,[5] and a battery-equipped Mitsubishi i kei car (i-MIEV).[1][6]

The i-MiEV was launched for fleet customers in Japan in July 2009,[7] and on April 1, 2010 sales to the public began in the Japanese market at a price of 4 million yen
(~USD43,000).[8] After government incentives the sale price drops to 2.8 million yen (~$30,500).[8] Sales in other countries are expected to begin in October 2010.[9] Sales in Ireland and the U.K. are scheduled to begin in January 2011.[10][11]

History

Before developing the first MIEV concept, Mitsubishi built several electric vehicles in the 1990s as they attempted to develop alternative propulsion systems. Development began in the 1970s, and 36 Libero EVs were sold between 1993 and 1996.[12] Their FTO EV broke the record for the furthest distance achieved by an electric vehicle in 24 hours when it covered 2,142.3 km on December 19–20, 1999,[13][14] and following this success they entered an Eclipse EV in the annual Shikoku EV Rally in 2001, completing over 400 km on a single charge.[12]

Technology

MIEV motors are constructed using an in-wheel motor rotor, an in-wheel motor stator, a rotor bracket, stator bracket and inverter directly behind the brakes. The batteries can be charged from a standard 15 A/200 V car charger in seven hours and with a three-phase electric power charged in 25 minutes (for up to 80 percent of full capacity).[2] The batteries are located under the floorpan and in the Colt uses 22 Li-ion modules to produce a cumulative 325 V. The design allows for an entirely electric vehicle, or a hybrid using the batteries to supplement a traditional internal combustion engine or a hydrogen fuel cell.[15]

Benefits

According to Mitsubishi, locating the motor behind the wheel offers the company three distinct advantages:[15]

  1. It allows for a four wheel drive system without need of transmission, driveshafts, differential gears or other complex mechanical components. Mitsubishi Motors has been one of the few companies to persist in offering 4WD on vehicles other than off-road vehicles since the technology's heyday in the 1980s.[16][17]
  2. Placing the drive system entirely in the wheels allows for greater freedom of design for interior stylists.
  3. The space created facilitates the storage of the batteries, allowing for extra modules to be fitted which would offer increased power and range compared to previous electric vehicles.

Vehicles

Mitsubishi Colt EV (2005)

Based on the platform of a Mitsubishi Colt, and first exhibited in 2005, it was the first Mitsubishi EV where mass production and public sales were mooted, with a suggested price tag of US$19,000.[18] The car was driven by two in-wheel motors located in the rear wheels each producing a power of 20 kW (27 hp) and 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft) of torque without the need for a transmission. This gave the car a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) and an estimated range of 150 km (93 mi) with a 13 kWh battery pack.[4]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MIEV (2005)

A Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX sedan fitted with four 50 kW (67 hp) motors took part in the 2005 Shikoku EV Rally. The Lancer MIEV is capable of 180 km/h (112 mph), and has a range of 250 km (155 mi).[5]

Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV (2006)

The first MIEV prototype based on the platform and "rear midship" layout of the Mitsubishi i kei car, the Concept-CT is a sport compact prototype, and was first exhibited at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.[19]

Mitsubishi Concept-EZ MIEV (2006)

The Concept-EZ is a compact mono-box prototype exhibited at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, and designed to showcase the benefits of MIEV technology on the car's interior design. The wheels are located as close to the corners of the vehicle as possible, and each houses a 20 kW (27 hp) outer rotor in-wheel motor. With no central powertrain the floor could be kept low and flat to liberate extra interior space, despite the vehicle's height of 1,750 mm (68.9 in).[20]

A Mitsubishi i-EV pictured at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2007.
The i MiEV Sport, pictured at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Mitsubishi i MiEV (2006)

Also based on the Mitsubishi i kei car, it was first exhibited at the 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition in Yokohama. This vehicle was the first where the "i" in MiEV stood for "innovative", as it eschews the in-wheel motors in favour of a more conventional array of batteries, motor and inverter to replace the "rear midship" engine and fuel tank of the conventional car.

Development of the i MiEV EV concept began in 2005.[21] MMC provided three power companies with vehicles in 2006 and 2007 in order to conduct joint research to evaluate how fast-charge infrastructure may be developed for EVs. Fleet testing by five power companies was conducted in 2007. The car has a range of 130 km (81 mi) for the 16 kW·h lithium-ion pack and 160 km (99 mi) for the 20 kW·h pack. Top speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).[2] Also known as the i-EV,[22][23] it is planned for sale or lease in Japan and other markets in 2009 and 2010[24] It may also be sold in European markets as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-ZERO.[25] (in the European Union in 2010-08-01).[26]

Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport (2007)

The third concept i Miev based on the platform of the Mitsubishi i, and exhibited at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in late 2007. In-wheel motors made a return in the front wheels, while a single motor powers the rears. Designed to showcase the sporting potential of zero-emissions vehicles, the i's space efficient exterior design was heavily modified into a more aerodynamic 2+2 fastback silhouette. The company's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system developed for the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X was also utilized.[27]

Production version of Mitsubishi i MiEV (2009)

The production version of the MiEV does not have in-wheel motors like the many MIEV concepts shown before. Instead it has a single permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted on the rear axle with a power output of 47 kW (63 hp) and torque output of 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft). Due to the motor specification with low torque and hence for direct-drive high RPM to give the stated power, Mitsubishi also had to put a transmission between the motor and wheels. The car has a stated range of 160 km (99 mi) for the Japan 10-15 mode drive cycle with a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. However, the Hungarian online car magazine Autó Pult has recorded 220 km on a single charge. The car's top speed is limited to 130 km/h (81 mph).[28]

During early 2009 the i MiEV was exhibited in Australia at the Melbourne Motor Show, following which it extensively toured Australia.

During January - March 2009 the i MiEV was brought to New Zealand as part of an electric vehicle trial, which saw the i MiEV travel the length of the country testing infrastructure and demonstrating the vehicle to the public.[29]

On 21 September 2009, the Hong Kong Government announced it will procure the first batch of 10 Mitsubishi electric vehicles - the iMiEV - later in 2009, after various government departments have tested the vehicle in the last 6 months. Hong Kong is the first market in Asia, other than Japan, where iMiEVs will be sold before April 2010.[30]

On January 14, 2009, In Canada, Hydro-Québec and Mitsubishi signed an agreement to test 50 i-MiEV, the largest pilot test of electric car in Canada, this test will also allow a better understanding of a winter usage of the technology. BC-Hydro and Mitsubishi had previously tested a 3 vehicle fleet in British Columbia.[31]

In March 2010, it was reported that Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be available in the United Kingdom from January 2011, with a price starting at GBP38,699 (including 17.5% VAT) before deducting incentive of GBP5,000 from the government, to become one of the first battery cars on the market.[10]

In May 2010, Ireland’s first ecar trial-project will be conducted by Trinity College Dublin’s School of Engineering on behalf of ESB was also announced.[32]

The car will be tested in consumer situations the U.S. State of Oregon.[33]

In October 2010 The Government of Canada and Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) announced a partnership to test the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Innovative Electric Vehicle) in Canada. Transport Canada’s ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles (eTV) program will test two i-MiEVs in government facilities, as well as in a variety of real-world conditions, to evaluate the vehicle’s road handling, performance and range. Test results will also help to assess the potential environmental benefits of electric vehicle technologies in Canada.[34]

Mar 4, 2011 - The new generation electric vehicle i-MiEV has been adopted as an electric vehicle to be provided to the Estonian Government from Mitsubishi Corporation. This scale of i-MiEV provision, 507 units has been the largest inquiry MMC has ever received since its sales started. It also marks the first case of provision of electric vehicles under the Green Investment Scheme (GIS).[35]

Awards
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References
  1. "Interview With Managing Director in Charge of Product Development and Environment Affairs Group Headquarters, Tetsuro Aikawa" Archived 2006-10-22 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors internally conducted interview, February 2005
  2. "Mitsubishi Motors builds new research EV, "i MiEV" for joint research with power companies" Archived 2009-06-14 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 11, 2006
  3. "Mitsubishi Accelerates Electric Vehicle Work, Announces New Research Vehicle and Testing Partners". Green Car Congress. 2006-10-12.
  4. "Mitsubishi Motors to drive forward development of next-generation EVs" Archived 2010-04-04 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, May 11, 2005
  5. "Mitsubishi Motors to enter Lancer Evolution MIEV in Shikoku EV Rally 2005", Mitsubishi Motors press release, August 24, 2005
  6. "Plugging into electric dreams" Archived 2011-05-21 at the Wayback Machine, Kevin Hepwork, The Daily Telegraph, September 28, 2007
  7. "Mitsubishi Motors Begins Production of i-MiEV; Targeting 1,400 Units in Fiscal 2009". Green Car Congress. 2009-06-05. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
  8. "Japanese Start Buying Affordable Electric Cars". New York Times. 2010-04-01. Retrieved 2010-04-04. >\
  9. "Mitsubishi Motors' i-MiEV Awarded with the "Environment Special Grand Prize" at the 25th International Automobile Festival". Earth Times. 2010-03-18. Retrieved 2010-02-08.
  10. Tim Pollard (2010-03-24). "Mitsubishi i-MiEV (2011) electric car to cost £39,000". CAR magazine. Retrieved 2010-03-24.
  11. "Dipping a big toe in the electric wave". The Irish Times. August 11, 2010.
  12. "Electric Vehicle" Archived 2012-11-13 at the Wayback Machine, Technical review, Mitsubishi-Motors.com
  13. "MMC to display futuristic products at Exhibition of Dream Technologies for the 21st Century" Archived 2006-09-21 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, July 12, 2000
  14. "Mitsubishi EV Sets New World Record; Covers 2000km in 24 hours", Mitsubishi Motors news release, December 20, 1999
  15. "Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle - A next-generation EV" Archived 2006-11-04 at the Wayback Machine, Technical review, Mitsubishi-Motors.com
  16. 4-Wheel Drive Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors website
  17. "Mitsubishi Magna/Verada AWD" Archived 2007-12-12 at the Wayback Machine, Neil McDonald, The Australian, February 7, 2003
  18. "Mitsubishi unveils electric car for 2010", NBC News, May 11, 2005
  19. "Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2006 North American International Auto Show" Archived 2006-10-29 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 10, 2006
  20. "Mitsubishi Motors to display Mitsubishi Concept-EZ MIEV concept and new Colt CZC coupe-cabriolet models at 2006 Geneva Motor Show" Archived 2006-10-29 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 30, 2006
  21. "The Battery Pack for Mitsubishi's i MiEV". Green Car Congress. 2008-05-14.
  22. "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, August 29, 2007
  23. Mitsubishi Motors / Future Models Archived 2008-06-13 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors UK website
  24. http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/04/mitsubishi-launches-production-of-the-imiev/
  25. Leblanc, Yohann (December 9, 2008). "Des françaises électriques à l'accent japonais" (in French). L'automobile. Archived from the original on December 15, 2008.
  26. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-08-22. Retrieved 2009-10-17.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  27. "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, September 7, 2007
  28. "About i MiEV MITSUBISHI MOTORS JAPAN" Archived 2011-10-15 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors, August 4, 2009
  29. "Mitsubishi and Meridian launch electric car trial" Archived 2010-05-24 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors NZ press release, February 10, 2009
  30. Gov't to procure electric vehicles Archived 2009-09-24 at the Wayback Machine
  31. "Hydro-Quebec joins Mitsubishi to test fifty electric vehicles" Louis Butcher, www.ruefrontenac.com, (translated from French), January 14, 2010
  32. ESB and Mitsubishi announce electric car deal
  33. "Another zappy car for Oregon, "Another zappy car for Oregon", Rich Read, The (Portland) Oregonian, April 9, 2009
  34. Government of Canada and Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada partner to conduct all-electric vehicle trials Archived 2010-10-24 at the Wayback Machine
  35. ""Over 500 units of Mitsubishi i-MiEV to be provided to Estonian Government"". Archived from the original on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2011-03-04.
  36. "Japan Car of the Year 2009-2010" (PDF). 2009-10-21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-07-10. Retrieved 2010-01-20.
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