Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV
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Mitsubishi
11th July, 2011
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV combines cutting-edge design with
the latest EV and plug-in hybrid technologies to deliver a vehicle that balances road performance and comfort
with environmental performance and fuel economy.
By utilising differential motors and Mitsubishi's all-new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), the Concept PX-MiEV
utilises Electric-powered Active Yaw Control (E-AYC) which transfers torque to the rear left and right wheels.
Other features include Mitsubishi's comfortable cabin environment, as well as many of the latest safety
technologies.
Powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid
vehicle is driven in EV mode, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV returns fuel economy in excess of 50 km/litre.
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV
Design
Solid, Safety, and Simple were the keywords which drove the development of an exterior design suitable for a
next-generation cross-over that provides simple appearance from which all extraneous elements have been pared and
that is free of the "rugged" elements typical in conventional SUVs. The headlamps and rear combination lamps use
LED emitters that give the car an innovative and modern appearance as well as delivering better environmental
performance with their reduced power consumption.
The body uses a newly-developed metal colour that gives the car a metal shell-like appearance. Combining
elements of both spoke and dish styling, the road wheel design highlights an unprecedented new look to the body
as well improving brake cooling and aerodynamic performance.
The interior was designed to give an image of an aeroplane cockpit to improve the driver's concentration, with
an instrument panel that envelops the driver and utilises seats that keep passengers firmly in place. In
addition, the entire instrument panel and door trim utilise soft LED lighting that express the vehicle's
innovation and refinement.
Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV's front and rear wheels are powered by two permanent magnet synchronous motors
and is also fitted with a 1.6L DOHC MIVEC engine which can power the front wheels as well as work as a generator.
In addition, the vehicle comes with the newly-developed Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System in which electronic
circuitry automatically switches to the optimum drive mode for different driving conditions and remaining energy
in the drive battery to extract maximum efficiency from the electric motors and from the petrol engine.
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also utilises the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) which selects the optimum
drive mode through integrated control of the EV components and the petrol engine as well as controls optimum
electrical charge and output in response to remaining battery energy through constant monitoring of the drive
battery. With these, a pleasing, safe, and comfortable ride is achieved while conserving energy. In addition, to
maximise effective use of the drive battery, the vehicle is equipped with a power supply mode that allows the use
of some battery power to supply domestic appliances or as an emergency power source in the event of a natural
disaster.
(1) EV mode
At low to middle vehicle speeds, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV's drive battery powers the front motor using
front-wheel drive. When driving on snow, in the rain or in other low surface friction situations where maximum
vehicle stability is required, the system automatically switches to four-wheel drive mode by feeding power to the
rear wheel motor as well when sensors detect any front wheel slip.
(2) Series hybrid mode
When the remaining energy in the drive battery falls to a predetermined level the system starts the petrol
engine to generate electricity and automatically switches to the series hybrid mode using the electricity
generated to power the motors. In this mode as well, the system switches to four-wheel drive by driving the rear
motor depending on driving conditions.
(3) Parallel hybrid mode
At higher vehicle speeds the car is supported by the petrol engine which operates more efficiently than the
electric motors at high revolutions. In this mode, the petrol engine also helps drive the wheels. When the driver
makes sudden lane changes or other manoeuvres requiring greater vehicle stability, the system switches to
four-wheel drive by bringing in the rear motor to drive the rear wheels, improving stability. In addition, when
overtaking at higher speeds or in other situations requiring faster acceleration the system switches in both
front and rear motors to provide additional power and assist the petrol engine, providing high acceleration.
(4) Regenerative mode
When the vehicle is slowing or coasting down a long descending slope the system switches to regenerative mode
in which kinetic energy reclaimed from the wheels is stored in the drive battery.
(5) Charging mode
As with the production i-MiEV, Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV features a three-way battery charging system using
either a domestic supply or a high-power quick-charging station. The system also incorporates a Wireless Charging
Programme feature that allows the owner to start charging the battery or start the air conditioner at a pre-set
time even when away from the vehicle.
(6) Power supply mode
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also subscribes to the "Smart Grid" concept that calls for maximising the
effective use of electrical power and which is currently attracting attention in any attempt to combat any
possible 'global warming' should it be proven that such a thing exists. When not on the road the Mitsubishi
Concept PX-MiEV allows the owner to store electricity at night and then use that electricity via the normal
charging connector to power home appliances during the daytime when domestic electricity consumption is
highest.
This allows the drive battery to be used as a power source in the event of a natural disaster. Should the
electricity left in the battery fall below a predetermined level, the petrol engine starts up and works as
generator to maintain the power supply at a fixed level.
An AC auxiliary socket in the rear luggage compartment also allows the electricity stored in the drive battery
to be used to power cooking or lighting equipment and other appliances when camping or engaged in other leisure
activities.
Drive system
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses Mitsubishi's S-AWC integrated vehicle handling control system which is
configured around an Electronically-powered four-wheel drive (E-4WD) system that controls front and rear motor
output to deliver the optimum front/rear drive torque split. Under the integrated control of the S-AWC system are
Electric-powered Active Yaw Control (E-AYC), which controls left/right torque split at the rear wheels and the
degree of deceleration energy recovery, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
components.
Unlike the AYC system on the Lancer Evolution X which uses a wet multi-plate clutch arrangement, E-AYC uses a
differential motor to control rear wheel torque split. The use of the differential motor makes for a
high-efficiency system with outstanding response and contributes to the on-demand handling and outstanding
vehicle stability that characterises the S-AWC system.
Cocochi (cozy interior)
Some Mitsubishi Motors production cars already feature the cocochi-interior (which translates loosely
as cozy interior) which embraces occupants in a pleasantly comfortable cabin environment developed to a "Clean,
Stress-free and Safe and Reassuring" theme.
For Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV the cocochi-interior brings a number of new features including: seat
upholstery that deactivates allergens, breaks down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and offensive odour
molecules as well as killing bacteria; glass that shuts out UV-A radiation to protect skin from darkening and
aging; and a negative-ion aroma humidifier and oxygen enricher that improve comfort and reduce fatigue. The
original and the new cocochi-interior features provide a cabin atmosphere that enhances occupant comfort
as well as contributing to safer operation of the vehicle.
Cabin heat load reducing technologies
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses a windshield that uses heat-reflecting glass to reduce the amount of heat
energy passing through and uses IR- (infrared ray) blocking glass in the door windows. The body paint also
incorporates heat-reflective and insulation technology. Inside the vehicle the four seats are individually air
conditioned and cabin humidity is regulated. The adoption of these heat load reducing technologies allows
efficient climate control while reducing power consumption to the absolute minimum in making for a very
comfortable occupant space.
Active safety technologies
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV showcases several active safety technologies.
- The "New Multi-around Monitor" system uses cameras located at strategic points on the body to provide the
driver with a combined image of the full perimeter of the vehicle. The combined image is displayed for the driver
on a monitor from an overhead view for improved safety around the perimeter of the vehicle.
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- The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is equipped for the Driving Safety Support System (DSSS (Level II)) currently
being promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency. In this advanced vehicle-infrastructure safety support
system, an on-board receiver picks up signals transmitted by roadside optical beacons and the system urges the
driver to take extra care when other vehicles or pedestrians have been detected by roadside sensors and cameras
at intersections and pedestrian crossings.
- Employing a system that uses wireless technology to ascertain the position of other vehicles and warn the
driver when their proximity so requires
- The vehicle is also fitted with a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC*5) system, employing the
road-to-vehicle communications capabilities used in Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) to determine the position of
the vehicle and whether it is parked or not.
*5 5.8 GHz band two-way wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use.
Other features
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is fitted with an electronically-controlled air suspension that gives the driver
the choice of three ride height modes - Auto, High, Low - for improved stability over poor surfaces or at high
speeds and for easier access to and from the vehicle.
The concept also uses a new-generation steering wheel switch and control layout that offers outstanding
usability and switch visibility for safer and less stressful driving. Some of the audio, navigation, and climate
control switches are located on the steering wheel so that the driver can operate them without having to take a
hand off the wheel. Switch operation indicators located in the instrument panel make it quicker and easier for the
driver to visually check and control the switch positions.
In the Driving Monitor System, a camera mounted facing the driver monitors eye movements to determine their
level of alertness. If the system detects a decrease in their concentration it issues not only audible but visual
and vibrational warnings and also emits a distinctive aroma to alert him/her to the situation.
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Specifications
| Overall length |
4,510 mm |
|
Overall width |
1,830 mm |
|
Overall height |
1,655 mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2,630 mm |
|
Track F/R |
1,570 mm/1,570 mm |
|
Occupants |
4 |
|
Motors (front and rear) |
Permanent magnet synchronous |
|
Max. output |
60 kW (front and rear) |
|
Max. torque |
200 Nm (front and rear) |
|
10-15 mode EV cruising range |
Over 50 km |
|
Engine |
1.6 L DOHC MIVEC |
|
Max. output |
85 kW |
|
Max. torque |
125 Nm |
|
Generating capacity |
70 kW |
|
10-15 mode fuel consumption |
Over 50 km/L |
|
Drive train |
E-4WD |
|
Tyre size |
245/45R20 |
Mitsubishi Motors will release an SUV powered by an electric motor within the next two years.
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