As a continuation of these long standing R&D efforts over the years (lately: in-wheel motor technology, “Green Plastic”, etc.) Mitsubishi Motors has taken a very different view on potential solutions.

Framework

MMC announced on July, 14th, 2006 a new program to guide its ongoing efforts in tackling environmental issues: the “Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2010” (“EIP 2010”).

As a follow-up of the previous FY2002-2005 “Environment Sustainability Plan”, EIP 2010 proposes an innovative approach to environmental issues, taking a holistic view on the problems and solutions, encompassing:

• Vehicle technologies
• Manufacturing
• Innovative materials
• Management of hazardous substances
• Recycling
• Supplier relations
• Education

Launched at the beginning of FY2006, EIP 2010 brings revisions in four major areas, reflecting requirements of both the 2005 Kyoto Protocol and increasingly stringent environmental regulations and legislation in Japan, North America and Europe as well as other developments around the world:

• Environmental management
• Prevention of global warming
• Prevention of environmental pollution

EIP 2010 also incorporates new measures relating to resources and energy designed from the viewpoint of reducing dependence on oil.

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One-stop shop

On the product front – the most visible to end customers – MMC has elected not to focus on one single “showcase” technology but instead chosen to offer a selection of tangible solutions adapted to each of its business regions, such as:

• Europe: Joint development by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. of an all-new Euro 5-compliant Diesel engine family - to be first launched in Europe within FY2009.
• Japan: i-MiEV next-generation electric vehicle to be first launched in Japan in 2009 with world markets to follow, possibly at a later stage

At the other end of the product spectrum, this is also how some of MMC’s latest concept cars can be understood, bringing Mitsubishi’s sense of social responsibility together with its traditional sporting spirit, all in formats that ring a bell with respective regional audiences:

• Sports coupe in the US (Concept-RA)
• Compact SUV in Europe (Concept-cX)
• K-Car in Japan (i-MiEV Sport / i-MiEV SPORT AIR)

"Drive@earth"

Mitsubishi Motors proved again with these three concepts that decades of essential sporting spirit were not mutually exclusive with its on-going efforts for a better environment.

As a result, MMC has wished to express this dual consistency into a statement that will embody its century-old values and commitment for tomorrow; into a new tagline that will put into words its renewed corporate mission at a global level: "Drive@earth":

• “Drive” for Mitsubishi’s traditional focus on driving dynamics & pleasure as well as mobility.
• “@” for the essential “domain” we live in.
• “earth” for source, life and the unique variety of landscapes our planet offers to discover.

Expressed through Drive@earth, MMC sets as its ideal the synergy between dynamic and environmental performance, and will continue to develop technologies – such as the zero-emission i-MiEV electric vehicle – that show as much care and pleasure for the environment outside as for the occupants within.

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Icon on a mission

Next to Mitsubishi Lancer X Evolution (sporting spirit) and Mitsubishi Pajero (4-Wheel Drive expertise), Mitsubishi Motors has decided to assign its unique “i” minicar with the role of green ambassador to the world.

Launched in Japan in January 2006, recipient of many an award and well received by media and customers alike, “i” has been selected as the platform for MMC’s next generation electric (= zero on-road emissions) vehicle project.

Announced in October 2006, the electric “i” or “i-MiEV” will be first launched in Japan in 2009, with export to international markets being either evaluated or decided, depending on the region. i-MiEV started off as a research vehicle powered by a compact and lightweight motor and high-energy density lithium-ion batteries.

In addition to joint research programmes with Japanese power companies, MMC will further improve the components of i-MiEV such as the battery system, motor and electric vehicle (EV) electronic control unit for the future commercial application.

“Lithium Energy Japan”

A key development will of course be the on-going development and large supply of lithium-ion batteries. To this effect, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation joined forces with battery specialist GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi Corporation on Dec. 12th, 2007 to set up “Lithium Energy Japan” (http://LithiumEnergy.jp), a joint venture where each partner will bring its own leading know-how:

• GS Yuasa possesses advanced technologies in large lithium-ion batteries and is striving to broaden their applications.
• Mitsubishi Corporation intends to enter the battery manufacturing business and aims to create other related businesses as well.
• Mitsubishi Motors Corporation – which had electric cars on the road in Japan as early as 1971 - is working to strengthen its prominent position in (proprietary) EV technology.

Through their mutual interests, the three companies came together to invest in this new joint venture. Their intent is to apply their comprehensive strengths in vertical value chains, covering natural resources, materials, development, manufacturing, sales, and the identification of new applications, and take advantage of their powerful synergy to advance this business.

The latest development was the announcement by Lithium Energy Japan on August 6th, 2008 of a new large-scale production site for lithium-ion batteries, located in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

Beginning in early FY2009, annual production of 200,000 cells for the company’s “LEV50 (cell capacity 50Ah)” lithium-ion batteries will commence. The batteries will be for use in electric vehicles, and the annual production target will power 2,000 of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV during their first year in the market.

Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and across Europe, i-MiEV will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009. In parallel to a European launch scheduled for FY2010 (left-hand-drive version), Mitsubishi Motors is examining several markets including the U.S. for a further rollout of i-MiEV.

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Space saver

As a reminder, i-MiEV is based on the “i” minicar platform where the rear-midship conventional petrol engine and floor- mounted fuel tank are replaced with a lithium-ion battery pack, the motor, the inverter and other EV components.

Only a few modifications to the body structure were required to turn the petrol “i” into the electric i-MiEV. “i”’s rear-midship layout made this minicar the ideal candidate for such a venture:

• This layout enables the powertrain to be placed in front of the rear axle line, which ensures ample cabin space for passengers (4-occupant capacity).
• It also provides ample space for battery storage, which could achieve the desired daily driving range of a number of customers.
• The installation of batteries under the floor lowers the center of gravity.

An on-board charger allows the vehicle to be changed ordinary electric outlets. In addition to the high practical values and lower emissions, i-MiEV proves to be more efficient than the base model in significant categories such as: better performance (31% quicker in 40-60 km/h passing acceleration than a conventional minicar) stronger torque (180 Nm vs. the 94 Nm of the 660 cc turbo-charged petrol “i”), quietness (5 dB less) and lower level of vibrations, which are all natural advantages of electric vehicles.

High Capacity

EV batteries must have high energy density. For that purpose, i-MiEV utilizes a high density lithium-ion battery pack, each consisting of 22 modules with 4 cells per module. Each high capacity battery module can fit under the floor, both vertically or transversally.

The target range with a single charge was of 160 km for fleet test vehicles in 2007 (driving pattern: Japanese 10-15 modes). In Japan, i-MiEV accepts 2 types of battery charging systems:

• The Household Charging System (100V, 200V) for charging at home or at a parking lot.
• i-MiEV can be charged from an ordinary electric outlet via the household charger plug located on the right side of the vehicle. Using less expensive night-time power, i-MiEV can be re-charged economically in 7 hours in 200V configuration (14h in 100V).
• The Quick Charger System for speedy charging. Here, the car can be charged via the Quick Charger plug located on the left side of the vehicle. Using the three-phase 200V 50 kW Quick Charge System, i-MiEV can be charged to 80% peak in about 30 minutes.

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Translating this into economical terms, i-MiEV’s running costs in Japan (¥/km) are 1/3 of those of a petrol-powered minicar (daytime charging) or 1/9 (nightime charging).

Mitsubishi i-MiEV technical specification:

Base vehicle	"i" mini-car
Dimensions (L x W x H)	3,395 x 1,475 x 1,600 mm
Vehicle weight	1,080 kg
Seating capacity	4
Maximum speed	140 km/h
Cruising distance with a single charge (Driving pattern : 10-15 mode)	160 km
Charging time (80% capacity) 15 Amp/200 V (on-board charger)	5 hrs
Charging time (80% capacity) 15 Amp/100 V (on-board charger)	11 hrs
Charging time (80% capacity) 3-phase 50 kW/200 V (Quick charger)	20 min.
Motor Type	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Motor max. output	47 kW
Motor max. torque	180 Nm
Motor max. speed	8,500 rpm
Battery Type	Lithium-ion
Battery Total voltage	330 V
Battery Total energy	20 kWh
Controller	Inverter
Drive	Rear wheel drive