Kiyomoto Kawakami

Advanced concepts in electric vehicle design

In 1994, the Eco-Vehicle Project was begun to develop an electric vehicle (EV) using a ground-up design approach that incorporates unique designs specific to an EV. The Eco-Vehicle will be a high-performance, but ultrasmall, battery-powered vehicle. New designs for the Eco-Vehicle include an in-wheel motor drive system, a hollow load floor which will house the batteries, and a new battery management system. The Eco-Vehicle may also utilize other advanced concepts suitable especially for EVs, including solar panels for battery charging and intelligent crash avoidance and guidance systems.

Development of a high performance electric vehicle

The Eco Vehicle project started in 1994 to develop a tandem style two seater vehicle which was high performance, ultra-small size and light weight. The Eco Vehicle will be developed from a ground-up design, incorporating new technology. New designs for the Eco Vehicle include the in-wheel motor drive system, a hollow load floor which house the batteries, and a new battery management system. The length of the vehicle will be 3.3 m; the width will be only 1.2 m; and the weight will be about 880 kg, including a battery weight of 269 kg. The range is expected to be 150 km in the Japanese 10 mode city driving schedule; the maximum velocity will be 130 km/h; and the 0 to 400 m acceleration time will be 17 seconds. Assembly of the first Eco Vehicle is planned to be completed by the summer of 1996.