Mitsubishi’s i MiEV Sport Concept is a pretty cool electric car. It’s certainly more sporty than the standard i MiEV and it has several concepts that would be beneficial in any EV.

We especially like the wireless charging system. With such a system, you could jut pull the car into your garage at the end of the day and walk right inside. You’d never have to worry about forgetting to plug in the car to charge it.

The roof is made of solar panels to increase the efficiency of the air conditioning system and also to help charge the battery pack. A pair of wind turbines sit in the front bumper and generate electricity during deceleration. The MiEV communication system lets the driver preset the temperature of the car from any computer with internet access. Updates for the navigation system can also be downloaded this way.

Based on the i MiEV—Mitsubishi Motors’ environmental flagship—i MiEV SPORT realizes a body form that projects its greater driving
performance bias, and uses Mitsubishi Motors’ own in-wheel motors and S-AWC, the ultimate integrated vehicle dynamics control system. i MiEV SPORT proposes a closer relationship between car and driver that only an electric vehicle can bring.

i MiEV SPORT Concept

 

Overall length/ width / height - 3450 / 1600 /1400 (mm)
Wheelbase - 2550mm
Track F/R - 1405 / 1405 (mm)
Vehicle weight - 970kg
Drive system - E(Electric-powered) -4WD
Max. speed - 180km/h
Range per charge (10 -15 mode) - 200km
Charging time – (200V/15A – 8.5 hours) (100V/15A – 17 hours) Quick Charger - 35min. (80%)
Motors - Permanent magnetic synchronous motors, Front : In-wheel motors, Rear : Single motor
Max Output - Front : 20kW x 2, Rear : 47kW
Max Torque - Front : 250Nm x 2, Rear : 180Nm
Battery - Lithium – ion
Total voltage – 330V
Steering system - Rack and pinion with electric power steering
Suspension – (Front - MacPherson strut) (Rear - De Dion tube)
Tire size - 175 /45R17

Building on a cab-forward package that capitalizes on the electric vehicle’s rear midship layout, i MiEV SPORT’s exterior design makes pleasure and vitality the themes that express the car’s nimble performance. The design uses flowing and elegant styling that also leaves no doubt as to the car’s environmental credentials in a compact, space-economical shape. Light green is used for the exterior to evoke images of nature and the environment. The pearlescent paint goes through a glittering color change when viewed in direct sunlight, conveying a state-of-the-art and futuristic appearance blended with the tranquility of the natural world.

Simple interior combines environmental and sporty qualities
Based on clean and simple shapes, the interior offers a comfortable space with a feel-at-home quality that encourages peace of mind. The geometric space design is rendered in a combination of metallic-finish materials and structures, while the use of blue indirect lighting creates a relaxing but cutting-edge ambience. The white and dark grey key interior colors work with the extensive use of mesh materials to convey a sporty and vibrant look, while the use of genuine leather adds a touch of relaxation and comfort in offering a new statement in EV interiors.

Creating a comfortable cabin environment

For a more comfortable and cleaner interior environment the air conditioner is fitted with a bio-clear filter with deodorizer as well as an oxygen-and-aroma generating system. Advanced aerodynamics reduce wind noise to maintain the electric vehicle’s signature quiet interior.

Optimized weight distribution and low center-of-gravity

i MiEV SPORT uses the same rear midship layout as the i MiEV. Capitalizing on the long wheelbase that is a feature of this platform,
i MiEV SPORT houses its high-capacity lithium-ion batteries under the floor, and locates the motor, inverter and charger beneath the luggage compartment. Installing these heavy components to lower the center-of-gravity and optimize front / rear weight distribution promotes vehicle stability. The body employs a lightweight, high-rigidity and high-strength aluminum space frame structure made of extruded and die-cast aluminum members. The suspension also uses many aluminum parts, improving fuel economy and contributing to better running performance.

S-AWC system for 3-motor EV

i MiEV SPORT uses a 3-motor system, with two in-wheel motors driving the front wheels and a single motor powering the rear wheels. The E-4WD (Electric-powered 4WD) system optimizes the power generated by each motor. The S-AWC system integrates control of the E-4WD, E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control), ABS and Active Stability Control (ASC) systems to deliver sporty performance with predicable handling and outstanding stability that explode preconceptions about the drive qualities of electric vehicles.

Rear midship layout realizes excellent crashworthiness

For improved crashworthiness Mitsubishi Motors has further developed the RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body by drawing on the concept of compatibility: greater occupant protection in a collision with a vehicle of different height or weight. Maximizing the benefits of its rear midship layout, i MiEV SPORT uses an optimized layout of front side members, cross members and other structural parts to more efficiently absorb crash energy in frontal and side impacts. The major EV components mounted under the luggage compartment engage with the floor to form a protective barrier in the event of a rear-end collision. Combined, these structures bolster the vehicle’s multi-directional crashworthiness.

MiEV communication system enhances man/car relationship
Keeping pace with its electric vehicle development, Mitsubishi Motors is also conducting research into a MiEV communication system that employs high-speed PLC (Power Line Communications) — a technology that will change our lives and the way we interact with the automobile. Using a household power socket as a LAN port and the indoor power wiring as a LAN cable, PLC allows the user to connect his home computer and vehicle and to: preset vehicle recharging and air-conditioning, to update the navigation system via the internet, and send or receive email. PLC also allows the user to collect vehicle maintenance information to keep the vehicle in top condition. This means of communication will expand the
relationship that exists between people and their cars.

Energy recycling system promotes effective use of energy, improves environmental performance i MiEV SPORT uses an energy recycling system. In addition to regenerative braking, which recovers inertial energy during deceleration, the system uses auxiliary solar panels and wind turbine fans that maximize the use of natural energy. The rear combination lamps and other lighting use low-energy, high-luminance LED's. The use of solar control glass increases air-conditioning efficiency and reduces energy
consumption. Mitsubishi Motors also uses its own plant-derived “Green Plastic*