2006 Mitsubishi Concept-EZ MIEV

The Concept-EZ MIEV makes its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show and, as a showcase for the company's advanced automotive technology, takes pride of place on the Mitsubishi stand.

The brainchild of Mitsubishi Design Europe, the strikingly styled Concept-EZ advanced prototype demonstrates the dynamic, packaging and design benefits of MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle), which uses ultra-compact electric motors that sit within the wheel hub itself.

Each of the Concept-EZ's 20inch wheels houses a 27bhp in-hub motor - for a total output of 108bhp - powered by a lithium-ion battery pack sandwiched beneath the car's flat floor.

By employing its MIEV technology in the 3700mm long Concept-EZ, Mitsubishi has liberated its engineers and designers from the traditional constraints imposed by internal combustion power and drivetrain, and have created an 'urban capsule' vehicle that provides unsurpassed interior packaging.

Concept-EZ's usable internal space has also been enhanced by the use of a retractable steering wheel, drive-by-wire technology and intelligent folding seats to create a space that's as equally adept at transporting passengers as it is providing them with an innovative and secure lounge area when they arrive.

Source - Mitsubishi

The distinctive design projects high-stability road-hugging looks with a wheel-at-a-corner layout made possible by using an outer-rotor type in-wheel motor in each wheel to drive the mono-box body.

The under-floor lithium-ion battery system keeps the floor low and flat, allowing MITSÚBISHI Concept-EZ MIEV to offer roomy passenger space and seating arrangement versatility that matches a large mono-box model within compact 3700 mm (L) x 1800 mm (W) x 1750 mm (H) dimensions.

Taking maximum advantage of the absence of a centerline powertrain that distinguishes the MIEV concept, MITSÚBISHI Concept-EZ MIEV provides three innovative seating arrangements:

Lounge mode: A conference room-like space with the seats arranged in a circle.
Transport mode: Cavernous luggage space with the rear seats stowed under the floor.
Driving mode: Appropriate for normal driving conditions, spacious and comfortable seating for five adults.

With no central pillar, the double-opening doors on the left side (the rear door swings on hinges located at the rear of the vehicle) enhance passenger entry and exit as well as facilitating loading and unloading of luggage.

MITSÚBISHI Concept-EZ MIEV is powered by a 20 kW outer-rotor in-wheel motor at each wheel, for a maximum output of 80 kW (110 ps). Making upgrades in power and torque easy, this type of in-wheel motor also offers significant advantages in terms of space and operating efficiency, and in weight reduction.

Source - Mitsubishi Motors