Toyota Industries develops solar charging station for PHVs, EVs

Toyota Industries Corp developed a solar charging station for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs).

The municipal government of Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, adopted it, planning to build 21 stations at 11 places such as the municipal office, its branch offices, train stations, etc. The city will start the operation of those charging stations with 20 units of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid in April 2010.

The output of the solar panel is 1.9kW, and the capacity of the storage battery is 8.4kWh. The maximum output of the power converter is 3.2kW (AC202V) in grid-connected operation and 1.5kVA (AC101V) in self-sustained operation.

The charging station has a solar photovoltaic system and a power storage system and is connected to the grid. The electricity generated from solar power is stored in the power storage system, and vehicles are charged with photovoltaic electricity and electricity from the storage system. When the stored electricity runs out, the grid electricity is used so that vehicles can be stably charged regardless of weather or time of day.

On the other hand, when there is extra electricity stored in the power storage system, it is used for the facilities in the station or sold to a utility company. When a disaster occurs, the station can provide photovoltaic electricity and stored electricity to electrical equipment that uses AC100V power.

Source: Tech-On

Japan accounts for 70% of EV/HEV/FCV patent applications

The Japan Patent Office conducted a survey on trends in global patent applications related to electric vehicles (EVs) and other "electric propulsion vehicles" and announced that about 70% of the applications were filed by Japanese applicants.

Electric propulsion vehicles include EVs, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) by the definition of the office. They do not include railway electric cars, which do not have wheels.

According to the survey, 16,670 patents concerning electric propulsion vehicles were filed around the world in 2001 to 2006. The number nearly doubled from 9,034 in 1995 to 2000. Of these patent applications, Japanese applicants filed more applications than applicants in any other region, accounting for 6,869 (76%) in 1995 to 2000 and 11,553 (69%) in 2001 to 2006.

Of the applications filed by Japanese applicants in 2006, HEV-related patents surpassed 1,400, far more than about 530 EV-related patents and 270 FCV-related patents. The number of patent applications is steadily rising across the three areas.

In addition, Japanese manufacturers dominated the list of manufacturers that filed the largest numbers of patent applications. In the rankings by region to file patents in this area, Toyota Motor Corp topped in Japan, the US, Europe and China among the five major regions in 1995 to 2006. Toyota ranked second only in Korea, outnumbered by local leader Hyundai Motor Co.

Source: Tech-On

Honda's future: small cars, no NSX or Euro Acura

Honda chief executive Takanobu Ito today spelled out his vision for the next decade at Honda to CAR Online. No successor to the NSX is under development, but there will be a smaller city car slotting under the Jazz in Honda's range. It will be launched in Asia at first, potentially following in the rest of the world.

Ito, who is also president of Honda R&D, said that the company had no firm plans for a pure battery electric vehicle at this stage – the onus is on hybrid petrol electric cars and fuel-cell models.

It will continue to develop diesels for Europe, but Ito admitted a project to build clean-fuel diesels for the US market had been cancelled. He also expressed regrets over pulling out of F1, but said it made sound business sense to pump the money saved back into developing eco technologies.

What next for Honda's hybrids?

Speaking to CAR at the 2009 Tokyo motor show, CEO Ito said that future Hondas would use one of two hybrid systems. Small cars of Civic size or below would use a single-motor part-electric system, whereas bigger hybrid cars would use two electric motors.

He also confirmed that future Honda road cars would use direct injection tech, and that his company was researching turbocharging. At present, forced induction is only used on turbodiesels, but Honda acknowledges that downsizing allowed by blown, smaller capacity engines will be key to lowering CO2 and emissions.

And what of the top end Hondas?

Ito ruled out any launch of the Acura brand in Europe, to challenge Lexus and the newly launched Infiniti. He also scotched rumours of a planned new-generation NSX, even a hybrid one.

Fuel-cell cars, like the FCX, will continue to be leased rather than sold outright – until Honda can mass develop the tech to be available at a more affordable price.

Source: CAR magazine

Panasonic to use PC batteries to power cars

Japan's Panasonic Corp. has developed a technology that binds together standard lithium-ion battery cells used in laptop personal computers to power electric vehicles, taking aim at growing demand for green cars.

The company said that new technology will likely enable Panasonic to make electric car batteries at half the cost of lithium-ion batteries that are developed solely for electric cars, since it can use existing battery plants and production expertise.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s i-MiEV, the world's first mass-produced electric car, sells for 4.6 million yen ($51,000) before government subsidies due mainly to the high cost of its lithium-ion batteries.

Panasonic, which vies with Sony Corp. for the position as the world's largest consumer electronics maker, said it aims to commercialize the battery as early as in four years, but added it is too early to comment on sales targets. The newly developed batteries can also be used at home to store electricity generated by solar panels and fuel cells.

Source: Automotive News

Honda to display EV-N concept and near-production CR-Z Concept 2009 at Tokyo Motor Show (第41回東京モーターショー Hondaブース展示概要について)

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its lineup of production and concept-model automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights for its display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the event will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, from October 24 to November 4.

Covering the largest floor area of any single brand at the show, Honda booth combines automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights to present the distinctive world of Honda mobility. Driven by dreams and passion, and with the booth concept of "Creating the never before!" Honda strived to propose attractive products that please and amaze its customers.

Honda's automobile exhibit will present a variety of environmentally responsible approaches to mobility, including hybrid vehicles, a fuel cell electric vehicle and a battery electric vehicle. The display will also highlight models with innovative packaging and enhanced driving performance that communicate the enjoyment an automobile can provide.

With the motorcycle display, Honda proposes products which are filled with creativity and dreams and create new value to further broaden the potential of motorcycles. The motorcycles on display range from large-displacement sports bikes that offer new riding pleasure to compact commuter models powered by electricity.

Also on display are butane gas canister-powered power products, as well as a new personal mobility device which was developed based on the concept of "harmony with people."

The special display zone named "HELLO!" (Honda Electric mobility Loop) will feature a comprehensive display of electricity-based products, including products that supply electricity, vehicles that run on electricity and products with innovative electronic technologies.

Outline of the exhibition at the Honda booth

HELLO! Zone
The HELLO! (Honda Electric mobility Loop) Zone will provide a comprehensive display of Honda's electromotive technologies, including automobiles, motorcycles, power products, and more - everything from products that supply electricity to products that incorporate electronic technologies. By linking solar panels that supply electricity with battery electric vehicles that emit zero CO2 in use, Honda envisions the low-carbon society of the near future. In addition, each HELLO! vehicle features interactive communication technologies that showcase the fun ways in which mobility devices can interact with people and society. On display will be the FCX CLARITY, a fuel cell electric vehicle that runs on the electricity it produces from hydrogen; the EV-N battery electric vehicle; the EV-Cub electric motorcycle; the EV-MONPAL electric personal mobility device; the new U3-X, a one-wheel personal mobility device that uses balance control technology that was developed through the ASIMO bipedal humanoid robot; and LOOP, a portable communication tool that allows people and mobility devices to communicate with each other.

Automobile display
The automobile display will focus on hybrid vehicles, which Honda believes offer one of the most practical means of addressing environmental concerns at the present time. Joining the Insight, which has been very well received since its release in Japan in February 2009, will be the CR-Z Concept 2009, a hybrid with a new sense and feel, making its world premiere, and the SKYDECK, an innovative six-passenger, multi-purpose hybrid vehicle. Other models on display are the all-new STEP WGN and STEP WGN SPADA (both scheduled for introduction in Japan in October 2009), which feature innovative packaging to expand the joy of using automobiles, and the all-new CIVIC TYPE R EURO (scheduled for introduction in Japan in November 2009), which captures the joy of driving, discovered and refined on European roads.

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Text in Japanese

Hondaは、10月24日（土）より11月4日（水）まで千葉県・幕張メッセで開催される「第41回東京モーターショー2009」（主催：社団法人日本自動車工業会）に、コンセプトモデルを含む四輪車と二輪車および汎用製品等の展示物を出展する。

　今回は、出展各社のなかで単独ブランドとしては最大面積となるブースに、四輪車と二輪車、汎用製品等を合同で展示し、Hondaならではのモビリティの 世界を創出する。ブースコンセプトは“ないものをつくれ。”とし、「夢」や「熱い想い」を原動力に、お客様の笑顔や驚きにつながるような魅力的な製品を提 案することを目指した。四輪車では、ハイブリッド車を中心に、燃料電池電気自動車・電気自動車等の環境に対する様々なアプローチを紹介。また、革新的な パッケージングを持つモデルや、動力性能を磨きあげた走りのモデルも紹介し、クルマが持つ「使う楽しさ」「乗る楽しさ」を提案する。二輪車では、その持つ 可能性をさらに広げていくための、独創性と夢があふれる新価値商品を提案。新たな操る楽しさを提案する大型スポーツモデルから、電動コミューターモデルま で、多彩なラインアップを紹介する。また、汎用のガスパワー製品や、人との調和をコンセプトにした新たなパーソナルモビリティも展示する。さらに、電気を 供給する製品から電動化技術を用いた製品までを総合的に表現するためのゾーンを設け、“HELLO!（Honda Electric mobility Loop）”と名づけ、紹介する。

■展示概要
【HELLO!ゾーン】
　Hondaの持つ四輪車・二輪車・汎用製品・その他、電気を供給する製品から電動化技術を用いた製品までを総合的に表現するためのゾーンを設け、“HELLO!（Honda Electric mobility Loop）”と名づけ、紹介する。走行時におけるCO2の 排出がゼロとなる電気自動車と、電気を供給する太陽電池をリンクさせ、近未来の低炭素社会を表現。また、各モデルに双方向のコミュニケーション機能を持た せることで、モビリティが人と社会と、より楽しくつながっていく姿を表現している。展示モデルは、水素を燃料として電気を発生させて走る燃料電池電気自動 車「FCXクラリティ」と、電気自動車「EV-N」、電動二輪車「EV-Cub」、電動パーソナルモビリティ「EV-MONPAL」、自律二足歩行ロボッ ト「ASIMO」のバランス制御技術を活かした一輪モビリティ「U3-X」で、これらを携帯端末機「LOOP」を用いて人とモビリティがコミュニケーショ ンする世界をつくり出している。

【四輪車展示】
　四輪車は、Hondaが現在最も有効な環境対応の手段のひとつと考えているハイブリッド車をメインとして、今年2月の発売以来好評を頂いている「インサ イト」をはじめ、ワールドプレミアとなる新感覚ハイブリッドモデル「CR-Z CONCEPT 2009」、6人乗りのマルチパーパス・ハイブリッドモデル「SKYDECK（スカイデッキ）」を展示。さらに、クルマを“使う喜び”を広げる革新的な パッケージング技術を備えた新型「ステップワゴン」「ステップワゴン スパーダ」（10月発売予定）や、“操る喜び”を欧州で磨きあげた新型「シビック TYPE R ユーロ」（11月発売予定）もそれぞれ展示し、クルマを使う楽しさ、クルマに乗る楽しさを提案する。

【二輪車展示】
　二輪車は、独自の可能性にチャレンジすることで、独創性と夢があふれる新価値商品を提案。ワールドプレミアとなる「CB1100」は、空冷4気筒エンジ ンにこだわり、歴代の“CB”が持つ普遍的な美しさや乗り味を追求。また、ジャパンプレミアとなるスポーツツアラー「VFR1200F」は先進の技術とス タイリングを追求するとともに、操る楽しさを提案している。なお「VFR1200F」では、二輪車として世界初^※の デュアル クラッチ トランスミッションを搭載したモデルも展示する。さらに、環境対応の先進モデルとして、アイドリングストップ機構を搭載し、高い燃費性能を実現したグロー バルスクーター「PCX」や、電動ならではのクリーン性能とタフネス性を両立したスクーター「EVE-neo（イーブ・ネオ）」等を展示する。
※ Honda調べ

【汎用・その他展示】
　汎用製品・その他の製品の展示としては、新開発のガスパワー発電機「エネポ」や発売以来好評を頂いているガスパワー耕うん機「ピアンタ」、また自律二足 歩行ロボット「ASIMO」の協調制御技術を活かした歩行アシストシステムの「リズム歩行アシスト」「体重支持型歩行アシスト」を紹介する。

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Source: Honda

Mitsubish i-Miev: Available in Europe from 2010 for €34,000

Mitsubishi i-Miev will be available in UK from 2010 with prices starting from approximately €34,000. i-Miev is expected to be available in main European markets around 2012.

The price is expected to be lowered at around €15,000 by 2012 as the production will be increased to 30,000 cars/year.

Source: autoblog.it

Mitsubishi discloses what will come after i-MiEV

Mitsubishi Motors Corp will expand the lineup of its electric vehicles (EV).

Following the i-MiEV, which was launched in July 2009, the company is now planning to release an EV that is based on the platform of the i-MiEV and has a larger storage space for business use by 2012.

Subsequently, Mitsubishi Motors plans to introduce the "Global Small," a new platform of about 1.0-liter displacement, and make it support EVs in 2012 or 2013. Because the platform is larger than the i-MiEV, which is based on a light car, it is suited for vehicles to be sold outside Japan. It is a front-wheel-drive vehicle unlike the i-MiEV, a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Furthermore, Mitsubishi Motors intends to release a plug-in hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and motor to electrify cars with large-displacement engines in about 2013, defining them as advanced forms of the iMiEV. It will be mounted with a small-engine to charge the battery.

Source: Tech-On!

5-Nation survey by Electric Vehicle backer shows strong consumer interest in EVs

"The problem with surveys, as countless political polls have shown, is that people often tell the survey takers what they think they want to hear - or give an answer they think makes them look best - then go out and do whatever it is they want to do, even if it is diametrically opposed to what they said for the survey.

But that's why there are margins of error and why, even when the polls are off by a big margin, they can still serve as signposts, showing the direction in which the public is traveling even if unable to pick out the exact road.

That's why people with products or candidates to push and ideas or ideals to sell keep commissioning polls and surveys.

The green crowd is no different and the latest, being released right now, is from Better Place, the California-based firm promoting a global EV charging and battery exchange system.

Understanding - no dummies they - that chargers and battery swap systems aren't worth much without electric vehicles that use batteries that need to be charged or swapped, Better Place commissioned Paris-based global market research firm Ipsos to find out if there is much market potential for electric vehicles.

The poll was taken in five countries during March and April, when gasoline prices were relatively low all over the world - not the best of conditions for EVS, which tend to be more costly that gasoline vehicles and can't be justified on a purely economic basis unless gas prices are very high.

Survey takers in the U.S, Israel and Denmark, the greater Toronto area of Canada, and the Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney areas of Australia, asked more than 8,000 people whether they would consider cars and trucks that ran on something other than gasoline for their next purchase and how interested they were in electric cars for their next vehicle.

The U.S. came in dead last, with 30 percent of respondents expressing interest in an electric car for their next vehicle purchase. (Last, but that's still almost one in three while many analysts don't see EVs taking more than 15 per cent of the U.S. market in the next decade or so.)

In Israel, where oil independence is a critical and immediate concern and Better Place has a well-publicized contract with the national government to install a network of chargers and battery swap stations to serve a car being built by the Renault-Nissan Alliance, 57 percent of respondents said they would consider an EV for their next car and almost half of them (28 percent of all respondents) percent said they would consider nothing but an EV.

In the other countries, 40 percent of respondents in Denmark, 39 percent in Australia, and 35 percent in Canada's greater Toronto area said "yes" when asked if they would consider other than a gasoline vehicle for their next purchase.

The information provided late Sunday by Better Place didn't include and data on whether the respondents were given a price or price range to consider - something that likely would have a big impact of willingness to buy an EV, as it would in any auto purchase consideration.

And its only fair to point out that in addition to Israel, Better Place has a national contract in Denmark, and regional agreements in Australia and Canada, so the idea of EVs has been highly promoted in those countries over the past year

Better Place also is working with several state and cities in the U.S. to foster interest in its idea that swapping batteries would make driving an EV as easy as driving a gasoline car: There would no longer be any range anxiety if consumers knew they could have the nearly depleted battery pack in their EVs replaced with a full charged pack in a matter of a few minutes.

That's not a flaw in the survey, but it does suggest that lots of media and political talk about the vehicles and incentives to get them on the road isn't going to hurt people's perceptions.

Better Place, says the survey shows that there's strong consumer interest in EVs in many countries now and that even in the gasoline-addicted U.S., "nearly one in three ... car buyers are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle for their next car."

We'd go a little easy on the hard numbers - we're not confident that even 1 in 10 new vehicle buyers would grab an EV when finally there are some available (although we think the number will grow, considerably, as more models and more charging facilities are introduced, increasing usability and decreasing cost).

Vehicle price, the cost and availability of other fuels and the availability of public chargers and some sort of fast-charging or battery exchange system(s) all will have an impact on the market and on people's willingness to put their money where their mounts were now.

But we're also comfortable that the Better Place-Ipsos EV study does show that people increasingly are aware of the national energy security and environmental benefits of electric vehicles and that is something worth shouting from the parapets.

If the study's numbers are proven to be right, then great. Kudos. We'll be the first to stand up and cheer.

If a little optimistic - as people are wont to be when being asked about their beliefs - then, well, whatever else it does, or doesn't, do, the Better Place-Ipsos study shows that that as awareness of EVs grows, so does acceptance.

It shows that that there's enough interest in electric vehicles to encourage auto companies old and new to get some into the market, and soon.

And that's great, too."

Source: Green Car Advisor

Suzuki focus on hybrid, EV development includes continued GM collaboration

Suzuki Motors, which makes fuel-efficient small cars but is desperately in need of a hybrid or other advanced technology car to help it break out of the niche-car mold, reportedly is focusing its R&D dollars and efforts on alternatively fueled vehicles now.

The company has restructured its research and development division with one unit working on electric vehicles, another on hybrids in collaboration with longtime partner General Motors Corp., and a third on Suzuki-developed hybrids and conventional gasoline engines.

Analysts at IHS Global Insight said that Suzuki has just $1.1 billion to spend on R&D (we're sounding like Congress - just $1.1 billion) in the '09-10 fiscal year and might not be able to keep up the three-pronged approach for very long.

Source: Green Car Advisor

Renault-Nissan plans 4 lithium-ion battery plants in Europe

The Renault-Nissan alliance plans to build up to four factories in Europe over the coming years to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

"In Europe, we haven't made the final decisions, but we will soon," said Colin Dodge, Nissan's executive vice president for the Africa, Middle East, India and Europe region.

Localizing battery production will be a key element of Renault-Nissan's plans to launch electric vehicles across Europe starting in 2011, Dodge said during a zero-emission mobility workshop at Nissan's European headquarters here.

Last month, Nissan opened its first battery plant in Japan and announced it would start producing batteries in the U.S. state of Tennessee in 2010.

Nissan executives say CEO Carlos Ghosn will unveil the company's first purpose-built electric vehicle in early August in Tokyo.

Nissan will launch this new electric vehicle in 2011 in markets such as Portugal, Denmark, Israel, the United States and Japan. The car's global launch will follow in 2012, Dodge said.

Renault plans to begin selling electric vehicles in 2011, although its initial efforts will focus on zero-emission versions of a mid-sized sedan and light commercial vehicle originally designed for internal combustion engines.

Renault's first all-new electric vehicles are expected to go on the market in late-2011 and 2012.

Site selection

Dodge said that Nissan would prefer to produce its 250kg lithium-ion battery packs close to its vehicle assembly sites -- the carmaker has factories in the U.K. and Spain -- but insists that logistics costs linked to production at remote sites can be surmounted.

"The logistics cost of transport will actually be pretty low when compared with the long-term cost and depreciation of the battery," he said.

Renault has already indicated plans to build electric vehicles in France.

Portugal has made a very strong commitment toward the launch of zero-emission vehicles, including purchase-price subsidies for individual buyers and state funding for a planned charging network.

Nissan executives told Automotive News Europe that governments that offer generous funding and assistance with the electric car launch may benefit in the form of battery production sites.

Production target

Nissan and joint venture partner NEC have spent 80 million euros on their battery factory in Japan.

The Automotive Energy Supply Corp. plant is initially expected to produce 13,000 lithium-ion battery packs a year. The plant has the installed capacity to make 65,000 units annually.

Dodge sees the 65,000-unit capacity figure as a minimum target for all planned battery plants.

"It's not like a car plant, where you need 300,000 to 500,000 units annually," Dodge said. "Battery factories can be economically efficient in the 65,000 to 130,000 range,"

Source: Automotive News

All-electric i-MiEV city car to play prominent role in government's £25 million 'Real World' trials

• Twenty-five of the first fifty all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV city cars will go onto the Government’s trial in November 2009

The all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV city car is set to play a prominent role in one of the Government’s recently announced Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator projects being run by the Technology Strategy Board. The Mitsubishi will take part in the West Midlands’ CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) consortium, which includes industry, council, academic and power organisations, and is led by design and engineering consultant, Arup.(1)

The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, and Lord Drayson, the Minister for Science and Innovation, launched the Technology Strategy Board project yesterday, in which eight winning consortia will receive a total of £25 million from the Government to help speed up the introduction of ultra low carbon vehicles. The project brings together manufacturers, power companies, Regional Development Agencies, councils and academic institutions in an attempt to accelerate the reality of a greener future of transport in the UK.

Mitsubishi will showcase its award-winning all-electric i MiEV city car, with 25 vehicles going on the road as part of the trial from November this year. A total of approximately three hundred and forty vehicles will begin trials on UK roads within the next six to eighteen months, which makes this the biggest project of its kind.(2)

The i MiEV’s vital statistics are sure to make it a prominent and successful player in the trials: with a top speed of 87mph, a range of well over 80 miles, and the ability to carry four adult passengers and luggage in comfort. It can also recharge from flat-to-full in 6 hours via a 240V UK supply, or fast-charge from flat to 80 percent in just 20-30 minutes – all features that will ensure the car shows off how practical it is for everyday use.

Mitsubishi’s Managing Director, Lance Bradley, said “It is excellent news that the i MiEV will play such a prominent role in this real-world trial. It is a great platform for us to show off our advanced electric vehicle technology, which itself is acting as a catalyst for the many other CO2 lowering environmental technologies we have in the near future.”

(1) The CABLED consortium includes five other motor manufacturers.

(2) This figure does not include any hybrid cars currently on the road.

Source: Newspress

Mitsubishi aims to cut price of electric car

Mitsubishi Motors Corp., the maker of the i MiEV electric car (earlier post), plans to cut the vehicle’s purchase price by more than half to less than 2 million yen ($21,000) as government incentives and tighter emission rules boost demand for fuel-efficient cars.

The company will cut the i MiEV’s price tag by the “mid- 2010s,” President Osamu Masuko said at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Tokyo. The price target includes tax breaks and subsidies from the government, he added. The carmaker will start selling the i MiEV in July for 4.6 million yen.

Mitsubishi Motors is unveiling its electric cars ahead of plans by larger rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. to introduce similar vehicles by 2012. Mitsubishi Motors aims to sell 1,400 i MiEVs domestically in the year ending March 31 and will start North American sales next year.

Tokyo-based Mitsubishi rose 1.1 percent to 180 yen as of 1:08 p.m. on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nissan, Japan’s third-largest automaker, has said it plans to introduce electric cars in Japan and the U.S. in 2010 and mass-produce them globally in 2012. Toyota, the world’s largest maker of gasoline-electric hybrid car, is also developing electric cars for sale in 2012.

Prime Minister Taro Aso is giving fuel-efficient car buyers subsidies and tax breaks for new vehicles to spur sales as part of a 15.4 trillion yen economic stimulus program. The government expects the incentives to add about 1 million vehicles to sales this fiscal year.

Mitsubishi Motors also plans to sell a plug-in hybrid version of the I MiEV in 2013, the company said today.

Source: Bloomberg

Mitsubishi Motors planning five more EV models

The Nikkei reports that Mitsubishi will soon introduce five other electric models, and that by fiscal 2013, it intends to sell upwards of 30,000 electric vehicles and be profitable. Concurrent with beginning production of the i MiEV (earlier post), Mitsubishi Motors had also outlined its “Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020” roadmap for its near-future, including a production volume at least 20% of which is electric vehicles.

Planned vehicles reportedly include:

• A left-side-steering version of the i-MiEV for the European market in the second half of fiscal 2010.

• An electric commercial vehicle that can be used to transport goods in fiscal 2010.

• During or after fiscal 2011, larger electric vehicle models based on full-sized cars, not minicars. The first, due out sometime in fiscal 2011, will be an electric version of a 1-liter small car.

• By fiscal 2013, a plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle.

• A sport model of the i-MiEV, with better driving performance.

• The company will also begin supply of an EV on an OEM basis to PSA Peugeot Citroën in fiscal 2010.

Dr. Menahem Anderman, President of Advanced Automotive Batteries, the organizer of the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference being held in Long Beach, California this week, said in one of his market overview presentations that “the most mature EV Li-ion battery on the market today is the GS Yuasa-Mitsubishi EV battery” used in the i-MiEV.

Anderman projected in a value proposition analysis for automotive Li-ion batteries that the small EV and extended range electric vehicle segment—i.e., vehicles with a battery pack of around 15-16 kWh—would lead the short-term lithium-ion market (in terms of dollars), with around 8,000 units being sold by 2011, with about half of those being i-MiEVs.

Source: Green Car Congress

Toyota Industries to begin selling rechargers for EVs and PHEVs

Toyota Industries Corp. will begin selling EV and PHEV charging stations in Japan later this summer for about ¥450,000 (US$4,560). The chargers, developed with Nitto Electric Works Ltd., are rated for single-phase 200VAC 16A 50Hz/60Hz current, and are targeted for installation at commercial facilities and public places.

The stand uses a JARI (Japan Automobile Research Institute)-recommended connector. Charging time can be limited from 30 minutes to 270 minutes.

The recharger—147cm tall, 30cm wide and 18cm deep—can be wall mounted or mounted on a stand. The company says it plans to produce a recharger for home use as well.

Toyota Motor also announced that it will begin leasing about 200 plug-in hybrids—based on the new Gen3 Prius and equipped with Li-ion battery packs—at the end of this year (earlier post).

Source: Green Car Congress

Mitsubishi Motors to bring new-generation EV i-MiEV to market (三菱自動車、新世代電気自動車『i-MiEV』を市場投入)

- Delivery to corporate, governmental and local authority users starts late July -
- Sales to individuals to start April 2010 -

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today, on World Environment Day, unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV ^{*1 *2} new-generation electric vehicle (EV), describing it as "the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society." The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year.

The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration with both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs.

Mitsubishi Motors expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease^*3 basis, some 1,400 i-MiEVi-MiEV to individuals in April 2010 and will start taking orders in late July of this year.


models in fiscal 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities. The company plans to start sales of

*1	MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
*2	i-MiEV : For the full production model a hyphen has been added to the name by which the advance experiment and proving models have been known.
*3	Maintenance lease: A lease in which the monthly payments include some of the taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.

i-MiEV : Overview

The i-MiEV makes maximum use of the long wheelbase that stems from its base model the "i" minicar's rear-midship layout to install a large capacity lithium-ion drive battery under the floor and the power unit under the luggage compartment. This provides a cruising range that is ample for everyday use without compromising the generous seating or luggage space of the "i."

The introduction of the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System)^*4 - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how garnered from many years of EV research and development - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV.

*4	Generic name for the integrated vehicle management system developed by Mitsubishi Motors for new-generation EVs.

1. Principal product features

(1) Zero drive-time CO₂ emissions

The i-MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) which produces no CO₂ emissions while being driven. Even when the CO₂ gas emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO₂ produced by the gasoline "i" minicar (Calculated in-house based on the average of electric energy frameworks in Japan).

(2) Driven 100% by electrical power

The i-MiEV is very economical because it only uses electrical energy as its power source. Also, depending on electric power company rate fees, the running cost can be reduced further by charging the battery when off-peak (late night) rates apply^*5.

*5	An application must be submitted to the electric power company to qualify for domestic late night rates.

(3) Quiet, agile, comfortable performance

The i-MiEV delivers the quiet and comfortable motoring experience only possible from an internal combustion engine-less EV. Maximizing the excellent response and high low-end torque inherent to its electric motor i-MiEV enables a level of responsive and powerful performance that surpasses that of the gasoline-powered turbo engine "i" minicar.

(4) Ample range for everyday minicar use

The i-MiEV has a single-charge range of 160 km^*6 in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban driving pattern. This gives it a range that is ample^*7 for everyday minicar use.

*6	Actual range will vary depending on weather conditions, road congestion and on how the driver operates his vehicle (use of accelerator, climate control system, etc.)
*7	A nationwide survey in Japan indicates that on average 90% of car drivers cover less than 40 km/day on weekdays and that 80% cover less than 60 km/day at weekends and holidays (in-house research).

(5) 3 ways to charge the battery

The i-MiEV uses a 3-way charging system that allows the drive battery to be charged at home or when out and about. For normal charging i-MiEV is connected to either a standard 100-volt or 200-volt domestic outlet using the charging cables supplied with the vehicle. The i-MiEV's battery can also be "quick charged" at quick-charge stations which are currently being established throughout Japan.

Charging time guide ^*8

Method	Power source	Time
Normal**	200V AC(15Amp)	Approx. 7 hours (full charge)
	100V AC(15Amp)	Approx. 14 hours (full charge)
Quick	200V 3-phase (50 kW)	Approx. 30 mins. (80% charge)

*8	Actual charging times may vary depending on such factors as air temperature and power source status.
**	The normal charging gun and normal charging connector were jointly developed by Toyota Motor Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.

2. Advanced technology

(1) Main powertrain components

a. Drive battery

The i-MiEV is powered by a very high energy-density lithium-ion battery manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan^*9. The large-capacity drive battery is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and is installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. This configuration contributes to outstanding handling and stability due to the car's low center of gravity.

*9	Joint venture established on December 12, 2007 between Mitsubishi Motors, GS Yuasa Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation to develop, manufacture and sell large-capacity and high energy-density lithium-ion cells for EV use.

b. Motor (power unit)

The i-MiEV uses a high-efficiency compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor specially developed for the vehicle. It generates maximum torque from low engine speeds to deliver powerful response and a comfortable ride experience. When the vehicle slows down the regenerative brake system causes the motor to operate as a generator. The electrical energy recovered is stored in the drive battery.

c. Transmission

The i-MiEV uses a lightweight and compact single-speed reduction gear transmission, exploiting the high low-end torque inherent to the electric motor and eliminating the need for complex gear shifting mechanisms as found in internal combustion engine powered vehicles.

d. On-board charger

The i-MiEV comes with a compact, lightweight on-board charger that allows the drive battery to be charged using a domestic 100V/200V AC line.

e. DC/DC converter

The DC/DC converter is used to charge the 12-volt auxiliary battery and power electrical equipment. It is integrated with the on-board charger in a single unit to reduce size and weight.

f. Inverter

The i-MiEV 's motor is driven by an alternating current. The inverter converts high-voltage direct current from the drive battery to alternating current and supplies motor with the power required to drive the vehicle.

(2) Combination meter display

The combination meter instrument cluster is comprised of a power meter that presents a visual display of power consumption and energy recovery status, a drive battery residual charge indicator that indicates how much remaining power there is left in the drive battery, and an available range indicator that displays an estimate of how far the vehicle can be driven on the basis of average power consumption over the last few kilometers.

(3) Shift selector

The shift selector provides the three positions described below that allow the driver to choose between maximum fun, maximum economy or maximum regenerative brake bias.

D-position:	Generates gutsy torque in direct response to accelerator input and allows the driver to enjoy i-MiEV 's performance potential to the maximum.
Eco-position:	Reduces power output and consumption to deliver maximum economy.
B-position:	Increases the regenerative brake bias. Power output is the same as for D.

(4) Climate control

The i-MiEV 's climate control system features air conditioning with an electrically powered compressor and a heating system which circulates warm water heated by an electric heater. The control dial provides six-step manual adjustment of both cooling and heating temperatures. The system reduces power consumption by minimizing occasions when both cooling unit and the heater operate together.

(5) Safety features

a. Drive battery protected by sturdy frame

The high-voltage system, battery pack included, is located inside the body frame and is further protected by a well-crib frame against damage from any direction of impact.

b. Integrated vehicle management system: MiEV OS

The MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) gathers data and information from all the major EV components to provide integrated management of the i-MiEV 's performance. The advanced management system constantly monitors battery status and the energy recovered from the regenerative brakes while regulating output to ensure smooth and powerful acceleration from a full stop. As a result the system optimizes and minimizes energy consumption while delivering road performance that is comfortable, safe and reassuring.

3. Other equipment and trim

(1) Body colors

The range of 8 body finishes includes monotones and two types of 2-tone color schemes.

a. Monotones

Three monotone colors are offered: White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Raspberry Red Pearl (factory option).

b. 2-tone schemes (factory option):

Type A:	The two 2-tone color schemes that have been used to date to highlight the i-MiEV 's originality are available: Red Solid / White Solid and Cool Silver Metallic / White Solid.
Type B:	In addition two new 2-tone color schemes are available. - "Clean image:" White Pearl / Ocean Blue Metallic and White Pearl / Mint Green. - "Premium image:" Cool Silver Metallic / Black Mica.

(2) LED headlamps and rear combination lamps

The i-MiEV is the first minicar^*10 and the first Mitsubishi Motors model to use LED headlamps, which throw a longer and wider low-beam pattern while also cutting power consumption. The rear combination lamps also use fast-illuminating LED emitters for the tail and stop lamps, making these lamps more instantly visible to following vehicles.

*10	As of end May 2009, according to Mitsubishi Motors research.

(3) PBS-bamboo fiber Green Plastic tailgate trim

The i-MiEV uses PBS (polybutylene succinate)-bamboo fiber Green Plastic for the tailgate interior trim. The use of PBS-bamboo fiber cuts life-cycle emissions (from extraction of raw materials to final disposal of product) of CO₂ by some 10 percent compared with polypropylene.

(4) Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (MMES)

The i-MiEV is available with the Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (with a 7-inch display and SSD navigation) that is built around solid state drive (SSD) technology to offer outstanding power saving and shock resistant properties. MMES is a factory-fitted option. The navigation database can be updated using SD flash cards and the company plans to use this feature to display the location of battery charging stations as they become available.

4. i-MiEV specifications

Drive System		2WD (rear-wheel drive)
Vehicle Weight/Dimensions	L x W x H	3395mm x 1475mm x 1600mm
	Wheel base	2550mm
	Vehicle weight (kg)	1100kg
	Occupants	4
Performance	Power Consumption (10-15 mode driving pattern)	125Wh/km
	Cruising range/charge (10-15 mode driving pattern)	160km
Drive Battery	Type	Lithium-ion
	Rated voltage	330V
	Rated capacity	16 kWh
Motor	Type	Permanent magnet synchronous
	Model	Y4F1
	Max. output	47kW (64PS) / 3000 - 6000 rpm
	Max. torque	180 Nm (18.4 kgf-m) / 0 - 2000 rpm

5. Sales information (for Japanese domestic market)

Sales target:	1,400 units (fiscal 2009)
MSRP:	JPY 4,599,000 (consumption tax inclusive)*11
	JPY 4,380,000 (ex-tax) *12
(Price does not include recycling fee, insurance, taxes other than consumption tax or registration costs.)
Sales contract type: Maintenance lease

*11

i-MiEV qualifies for "Subsidies for measures designed to promote introduction of clean energy vehicles," currently implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. For fiscal 2009, intending owners are eligible to receive a maximum subsidy of JPY 1,390,000 on approval of an application submitted to the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center (The intending owner must apply for the subsidy and receive notification of its approval before the vehicle is registered).

*12

Under current Japanese tax incentives to promote the ownership of eco-cars, the i-MiEV is exempt from the excise and weight taxes normally collectable on purchase of a new vehicle.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors

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Text in Japanese

～2009年7月下旬より法人・官公庁・自治体を中心にデリバリー開始～
～個人向け本格販売は2010年4月より開始～

三菱自動車は、世界環境デーとなる本日6月5日（金）、"クルマ社会の、次の100年の扉を開くパイオニア"として、量産型の新世代電気自動車『i-MiEV^*1（アイ・ミーブ）』^*2を公表し、本年7月下旬より国内市場に投入する。

『i-MiEV』は、三菱自動車における約40年の電気自動車技術の集大成であり、環境汚染、地球温暖化、石油エネルギーの枯渇など、自動車が直面する課 題に対応する究極の環境対応車として市場投入するものであり、今後、国内・海外の様々な企業・行政とも幅広く協力しながら、電気自動車の普及を推進してい く。

2009年度の販売台数は、法人ユーザーや自治体等を中心に約1,400台を見込み、メンテナンスリース^*3を基本に販売する。一方、個人向け本格販売については2010年4月より開始する計画で、2009年7月下旬より受付を開始する予定である。

*1	MiEV ： Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
*2	i-MiEV ：市販化にあたり、車名表記を従来の『i MiEV（アイ ミーブ）』から、ハイフン付きの『i-MiEV（アイ・ミーブ）』に変更
*3	メンテナンスリース ：車両費用に加え、税金、保険費用、整備費用の一部などの車両維持管理費が含まれるリース

『i-MiEV』商品概要

『i-MiEV』は、リヤ・ミッドシップレイアウトの 『i（アイ）』の特長であるロングホイールベースを生かし、大容量の駆動用バッテリーを床下に、パワーユニットをラゲッジルーム下に搭載。これにより、日 常での使用に充分な航続距離の確保と、ベース車と同一の居住スペースやラゲッジスペースを両立した。

また、長年の電気自動車に対する研究開発から得られたノウハウを注ぎ込んだ、高度な車両統合制御技術「MiEV OS（MiEV Operating System）」^*4を導入することで、新世代の電気自動車にふさわしい高性能・信頼性を実現した。

*4	三菱自動車が独自に開発した、新世代電気自動車用の統合制御技術の総称

1. 主な商品特長

（1） 走行中のCO₂排出ゼロ

走行中、CO₂を含めた排出ガスを全く発生しない"ゼロエミッション車"である。
（発電時のCO₂排出を含めても、『i』の約1/3のCO₂排出量：日本の平均的な電力構成をもとに三菱自動車が試算）

（2） 100%電気で走る

電気だけで走行するため、経済的であり、さらに、電力会社が提供する料金プランによっては、夜間の充電により、さらに電気代を抑えることも可能^*5となる。

*5	夜間料金の適用には別途電力会社への申し込みが必要

（3） 静かでキビキビ、快適な走り

エンジンを搭載しない電気自動車ならではの静粛性と快適な走りを実現。また、応答性に優れ、低速から高いトルクを発生する電気モーターの特性を生かし、『i』のターボエンジン搭載車を上回る、レスポンスの良い力強い走りを可能とする。

（4） 日常ユースに十分な走行距離

一充電走行距離は10・15モードで160km^*6。日常ユースに十分対応できる走行距離を確保^*7した。

*6	実際の航続距離は、お客様の使用環境（気象、渋滞など）や、運転方法（急発進、エアコン使用など）に応じて値は異なる。
*7	全国のドライバーアンケート調査の結果、1日の平均走行距離は、平日では約90%の方 が40km未満、休日では約80%の方が60km未満となっている。（三菱自動車調べ）

（5） 3つの充電方法

自宅でも外出先でも充電できる3WAY充電システムを採用。AC200VおよびAC100V の一般用コンセントから手軽に充電ができる普通充電（標準装備の充電ケーブルを使用）と、今後各所で設置が進む急速充電器での急速充電にも対応した。

■充電時間の目安^*8

充電方式	電源	充電時間
普通充電**	AC200V（15A）	約7時間（満充電）
	AC100V（15A）	約14時間（満充電）
急速充電	三相200V50kW （急速充電器側の電源）	約30分（80%）

*8	充電時間は目安であり、気温や電源の状態により、充電時間が異なる場合がある。
**	普通充電に用いる普通充電ガンと普通充電コネクターは、トヨタ自動車株式会社と矢崎総業株式会社の共同開発品です。

2. 先進の技術

（1） 主要コンポーネント

a. 駆動用バッテリー

リチウムエナジー ジャパン^*9製の、エネルギー密度の極めて高いリチウムイオン電池を搭載。計88個の電池セルを直列に接続した、大容量の駆動用バッテリーを車体床下中央に配置。低重心化による優れた操縦安定性も実現した。

*9	GSユアサ、三菱商事、三菱自動車の3社にて、大容量かつ高性能な電気自動車用リチウムイオン電池を製造する合弁会社「リチウムエナジー ジャパン」を、2007年12月12日に設立

b. モーター（パワーユニット）

小型・軽量・高効率な永久磁石式同期型モーターを専用開発。発進時から最大トルクを発生し、軽快でトルクフルな走りを実現した。減速時には、回生ブレーキ機能により、モーターを発電機として働かせることで、回収した電気を駆動用バッテリーに充電する。

c. トランスミッション

複雑な変速機構を必要としないモーター特性を生かし、変速を1段に固定した軽量・小型のトランスミッションを採用した。

d. 車載充電器

家庭用AC200V/ AC100Vでの充電を可能にする小型・軽量の車載充電器を採用した。

e. DC/DCコンバーター

補機用バッテリー（12V）の充電や電装品の電力を供給する。車載充電器と一体化させ、小型・軽量を図った。

f. インバーター

駆動用バッテリーの直流高電圧を交流に変換し、走行に必要な電力をモーターに供給する。

（2） コンビネーションメーター

電力消費およびエネルギー回生の状況を視覚的に表示する「パワーメーター」と、駆動用バッテリーの残量を表示する「駆動用バッテリー残量計」、直近の平均電力消費量からおおよその残り航続可能距離を算出して表示する「航続可能距離表示」を設定した。

（3） セレクターレバー

セレクターレバーを選択することで、エコドライブや、回生ブレーキを強く働かせた走行が可能となる3つのポジションを採用。

	アクセル操作に応じた力強いトルクで『i-MiEV』本来の優れた走りを楽しめる「D」ポジション。
	出力を抑えてエコな走行を実現する「Eco」ポジション。
	「D」ポジションと同じ力強い走りのままで、回生ブレーキを最も強く働かせる「B」ポジション。

（4） 空調システム

電動コンプレッサーによる冷房システムと、電気ヒーターで加熱した温水を循環させる暖房システムを採用。温度調節は冷暖房各6段階のマニュアル方式を採用し、冷房と暖房が同時駆動となる機会を低減することで消費電力を抑制する。

（5） 『i-MiEV』ならではの安全性の追求

a. 堅牢なフレームで駆動用バッテリーを保護

高電圧システムは、ボディ骨格の内側に搭載するとともに、駆動用バッテリーを井桁フレームで保護することで、全方位からの衝突によるダメージに備えた。

b. 新世代の電気自動車にふさわしい統合制御技術 MiEV OS （MiEV Operating System）を開発

すべてのEVコンポーネント情報を集約し、『i-MiEV』を統合制御。バッテリー状態の常時モニタリングや、回生ブレーキ機能によるエネルギー回収、滑らかで力強い発進制御など、高度な統合制御技術により、省エネルギーを実現しながら快適で安全・安心な走行を実現した。

3. その他装備

（1） ボディカラー

モノトーンと、2種類の2トーンパターンの計8色とした。

a. モノトーン

「ホワイトソリッド」「クールシルバーメタリック」「ラズベリーレッドパール（有料色）」の3色。

b. 2トーンパターン（有料色）

	これまで『i-MiEV』の独自性を印象付けてきた「レッドソリッド/ホワイトソリッド」「クールシルバーメタリック/ホワイトソリッド」の2色。
	新たな2トーンパターンとして、クリーンな印象の「ホワイトパール/ミントグリーンソリッド」「ホワイトパール/オーシャンブルーメタリック」と、上質な印象の「クールシルバーメタリック/ブラックマイカ」の3色。

（2） LEDヘッドライト、LEDリヤコンビランプ

遠方視認性と近距離の広がりを両立し、消費電力の少ないLEDヘッドライトを採用（LEDヘッドライトは軽自動車初^*10で、三菱自動車としても初）。さらに、リヤコンビランプにも点灯速度の早いLEDを採用することで視認性を高めた。

*10	2009年5月末時点、三菱自動車調べ

（3） グリーンプラスチックの採用（竹繊維PBS製テールゲートトリム）

テールゲート内側のトリムに、竹繊維とPBS（ポリブチレンサクシネート）を組み合わせた内装材を使用。これによりライフサイクル（原料採取から廃棄）でのCO₂排出量を、従来のPP（ポリプロピレン）製と比べ約10%削減した。

（4） 三菱マルチエンターテイメントシステム（MMES）

省電力性・耐衝撃性に 優れたSSD（Solid State Drive）を採用した、三菱マルチエンターテイメントシステム（MMES、7インチワイドディスプレイSSDナビゲーション）をメーカーオプションとし て設定した。SDカードの追加登録・表示機能を利用して、充電場所の情報提供を予定。

4. 『i-MiEV』主要諸元

駆動方式		2WD（後輪駆動）
寸法・重量	全長×全幅×全高	3395mm×1475mm×1610mm
	ホイールベース	2550mm
	車両重量	1100kg
	乗車定員	4名
性能	10・15モード交流電力量消費率 （国土交通省審査値）	125Wh/km
	10・15モード一充電走行距離 （国土交通省審査値）	160km
駆動用バッテリー	種類	リチウムイオン電池
	総電圧	330V
	総電力量	16kWh
原動機	種類	永久磁石式同期型モーター
	型式	Y4F1
	最高出力（ネット）	47kW［64PS］/3000～6000rpm
	最大トルク（ネット）	180N・m［18.4kgf・m］/0～2000rpm

5. 販売概要

国内販売予定台数	約1,400台（2009年度）
メーカー希望小売価格	4,599,000円（車両本体、消費税込）*11
	【4,380,000円（車両本体、消費税抜き）】*11
（リサイクル料金、保険料、消費税を除く税金*12、登録等に伴う費用は含まれない）
販売方法はメンテナンスリースを基本とする。

*11	経 済産業省が実施している「クリーンエネルギー自動車等導入促進対策費補助金」の対象になっており、一般社団法人 次世代自動車振興センターに申請し、交付決定されることにより、2009年度は139万円を上限として補助金交付が受けられる。（車両登録前に、補助金交 付申請を行い受理通知を受けていることが必要）
*12	環境対応車普及促進税制に基づき、購入時の自動車取得税、および自動車重量税が免税となる

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