Mitsubishi promotes sustainability in KLIMS’ 10
Mitsubishi’s pavilion at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 (KLIMS ’10) will be advancing the cause of sustainability with the display of two electric concept cars alongside dressed up units of its existing models. Themed Drive@Earth, Mitsubishi’s main attractions are the Concept PX-MiEV and i-MiEV SPORT AIR Concept displayed alongside the ASX, Lancer Sportback, Pajero, and Pajero Sport.
“Mitsubishi Motors’ Drive@Earth corporate tagline drives the company to achieve an ideal balance between environmental and dynamic performance, building cars that not only care for the world we life in, but the occupants within. The goal is towards a sustainable future, but not at the expense of driving pleasure,” said Tetsuya Oda, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
“Global warming is accelerating the need to reduce greenhouse gases, and automobiles will need to adapt to today’s landscape. Mitsubishi Motors is very advanced in its electric vehicle programme and has already put to market the pioneering i-MiEV electric car, which emits zero tailpipe emissions and doesn’t consume a drop of fuel,” he added.
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is a plug-in hybrid crossover which features a 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine partnering two electric motors at the front and rear axles of the vehicle. The plug-in hybrid system features three drive modes – all-electric EV, on-the-move generating EV, and Motor + Engine.
A unique feature of Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid set up is its ability to switch from being a series hybrid (where the petrol engine serves merely as a generator), to being a parallel hybrid, where the engine directly supplies driving power to the wheels. On deceleration, the system goes into regenerative mode – the motors taking the role of generators to charge the battery.
Governing the PX-MiEV’s drivetrain operation is Mitsubish’s MiEV Operating System which continuously monitors available battery charge and also driving patterns. On the move, the system switches between what it believes would be the most optimum drive modes to suit prevailing driving conditions. The PX-MiEV’s battery can be charged from a 100V/200V domestic power supply, a quick charging station, or even a Wireless Charging Programme.
The Concept PX-MiEV also features comprehensive levels of electronic driving aids, led by Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), which individually controls torque and braking for each wheel. Inside the S-AWC package is Electric-powered Active Yaw Control (E-AYC) inspired by tech from the Lancer Evo, Active Stability Control (ASC), ABS, and E-4WD.
The other vehicle on display is the i-MiEV SPORT AIR concept, essentially a sportier version of the i-MiEV on which it is based. It features a more powerful version of the i-MiEV’s permanent magnet synchro motor, making 60kW (80hp) of power and 230Nm of torque. The motor draws power from a large-capacity lithium-ion battery mounted under the car’s floor. In fact, the main EV components of the car are mounted as low as possible for the purpose of lowering the car’s centre of gravity for added stability.
Mitsubishi’s KLIMS ’10 pavilion is situated at Tun Razak Hall 4 (Level 4), PWTC KL directly opposite Hyundai’s pavilion.
