January 13, 2005. Copyright, 2006, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Mitsubishi Concept-CT Hybrid uses electric motors on all 4 Wheels

DETROIT, January 13, Graphic News: American car manufacturers like General Motors and Ford are busily unveiling hybrid cars at the annual show here to demonstrate their love for the environment.
Unfortunately for them, Toyota of Japan thought of this more than three years ago and dominates the market for hybrid power with its compatriot Honda in second place.
Hybrids use electric motors to enhance the economy, and performance, of petrol engine cars. There were three types, at least until the Mitsubishi Concept-CT came along. There are ÒstrongÓ, ÒmildÓ and Òstop-startÓ hybrids. Toyota, which sold more than half the 200,000 hybrid-powered cars in the U.S. in 2005, has a ÒstrongÓ hybrid, the most sophisticated system, which allows the car to run on electricity only (for a couple of miles in town traffic), petrol only, or a combination of both decided by the carÕs computer.
HondaÕs hybrids are ÒmildÓ, and run with a varying mixture of electric power and petrol, not one or the other. The cheapest hybrids are Òstop-startsÓ -- the engine switches off when the car stops in traffic, then starts again when you press the accelerator.     
The Mitsubishi Concept-CT takes the process to a higher level and, if it is the shape of things to come you can only hope that doesnÕt include its body styling. The CT is a weird-looking, squashed up, tiny little thing.
Behind each wheel lies a smart new idea from Mitsubishi. The Concept-CT uses the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid power-train, which places an electric motor in each of the four wheels. The carÕs basic power comes from a 50kW/67 horsepower, 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine behind the rear seats. Lithium-ion batteries -- which power the individual 50kW in-wheel motors -- are placed under the floor in the front, leaving space for luggage.
By using four separate power plants, the car provides all-wheel drive without the heavy transmission and drive shafts required by conventional four-wheel drive. The computer decides where to channel the power.
Mitsubishi said that this design, although not yet ready for sale, will provide a guide for future hybrids and allow electricity to provide more of the power. It could be used to develop battery-only or fuel cell power. Mitsubishi said it might incorporate some of these design ideas in its Lancer Evolution MIEV, which could be on the market in 2010.
Mark Kim, from Mitsubishi of AmericaÕs design studios, declined to say how fast the car accelerated, its top speed, or economy.
ÒWe havenÕt tested yet to find out how far the car will go just on battery power. But the design gives other advantages. Placing much of the power source at the carÕs four corners frees up lots of interior space,Ó said Kim.
This should allow Kim, the carÕs chief designer, plenty of time to get back to the drawing board and make the outside a bit more appealing.
/ENDS