Mitsubishi Motors i MiEV

DDB · 03-12-2007, 10:53 AM

$17,000 buys you a top speed of 81 mph and a range of 81-99 miles. Not bad ;D in 2009-2010, we should see some real choices for consumers in the EV realm.

Mitsubishi Motors has delivered prototypes of its i MiEV research electric vehicle to two utilities in Japan: Tokyo Electric Power and Kyushu Electric Power. (Earlier post.)

The i-MiEV is powered by a compact 47 kW motor that develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque and a 330V, 16 kWh or 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is 130 kph (81 mph), with a range of up to 130 km (81 miles) for the 16 kWh pack or 160 km (99 miles) for the 20 kWh pack. The motor is coupled to a reduction gear and differential to drive both rear wheels.

The research vehicles will be used to collect data on driving performance and battery-charging capabilities, with this information to be used in designing vehicles for field trials. Mitsubishi Motors will deliver 10 more i MiEVs to Tokyo Electric Power later this year for use as business vehicles as part of the trials.

Mitsubishi plans to sell the commercial version in 2010 for less than ¥2 million (US$17,000).

Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subarus, has also begun field trials of 10 EVs placed with Tokyo Electric.

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007...deli.html#more

DDB · 05-08-2007, 11:01 AM

One step closer. The article (below) indicates Mitsubishi is establishing a joint venture to help produce batteries for the i MiEV for production year 2010.

-Dave

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and GS Yuasa Corporation are establishing a joint venture (JV) company to manufacture large-capacity and high-performance Lithium-ion batteries that can be used in electric vehicles (EV). The three partners aim to complete the details and set up the new company sometime within the next 6 months.

Mitsubishi will use the batteries in its next-generation EV i MiEV (i Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), which it plans to introduce to the market by 2010. (Earlier post.) The new JV company will also supply the batteries to other automakers for EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) applications and for energy storage use in industrial applications.
I_miev_3_l
Mitsubishi Motors’ i MIEV. Click to enlarge.

The 3.7 V, 50 Ah LEV-50 cells from the new company are based on the LIM series of large-format Lithium-ion batteries manufactured by GS Yuasa (currently the only mass producer of large-format Lithium-ion batteries in Japan). The partners will work to enhance the cell-structure and electrode materials to deliver improved energy and power densities.

GS Yuasa is expected to own a 51% share of the new company, with MC and MMC owing 34% and 15% respectively. The new company’s headquarters will be located within GS Yuasa's Kyoto head office. During the first stage of development, ¥3 billion (US$25 million) will be invested to install automated mass production lines within GS Yuasa’s Kyoto head office plant, capable of manufacturing 200,000 cells per year. Operations are slated to commence by 2009.

GS Yuasa, with 2006 revenues of more than US$2 billion, was established as holding company in April 2004. It has 87 subsidiaries and 45 affiliates which participate in the businesses of storage batteries, power supply systems, lighting equipment, specialty and other electric equipment.

The company has worked with Mitsubishi Electric on a number of products in the past.

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