Mitsubishi to hybridize its SUVs within four years
Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko recently spoke with Germany's Auto Motor und Sport about its SUVs. Until now, Mitsubishi has not produced any hybrid vehicles as it has focused on developing pure battery electric vehicles. However all that could soon change as Masuko told the magazine that the company's SUVs would be hybridized over the next four years. Since Mitsubishi has not shown any hybrid technology of its own to date, it's unknown if they are developing something in-house or licensing technology from another company. Given Mitsubishi's past relationship with Chrysler, the possibility of licensing the Two-mode system developed with GM, BMW and Daimler is one possibility. Toyota has already licensed its hybrid technology to Nissan for the Altima, so that's another possibility.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via 4WheelsNews]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
unni 5:09PM (3/27/2009)
Why licensing ?
Third option is to use the imiev technology and attach a range extender. This way simple and adds to the value Mitsubishi already developed.
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Gordio 7:52PM (3/27/2009)
Not sure why you find it a weird option. It happens a lot. Ford and Nissan borrowed toyota's hybrid system for their first cars until they were ablet o develop their own hybrid drivetrain. If you have the cash, licensing is more efficient.
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unni 10:20PM (3/27/2009)
Reason for this option is serial hybrids are very simple to parallel hybrids and seems they are more efficient in most conditions.
The average ice efficiency is only around 20 to 25 where serial hybrid case they can choose a very high efficiency generator (say 50% , then results will be amazing ). Even new technologies comes (like fuel cell or some thing else ) they can replace the generator part with new technology.
Second is absence of a complex hybrid power train/transmissions etc - very less number of parts so less wear and tear.
Another case is some studies were suggesting serial hybrids can give 50%+ efficiency increase compared to around 30% increase of in complex hybrid power train.
Because of less parts and less complexity the production costs also will be less.
Even buses are now going for this : example
:http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/22328/
http://www.e-traction.nl/
And above all, this will give them advantage to use the technologies that they already has. Licensing is excellent option when you don't have any technology at all and/or a lot money. EV to hybrid is a downgrade of technology. If EVs can go 500 mile and charge in 2 minutes, no one will go for hybrids with 2 engines and a complex drive train.
check the below link to know what they already have :
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/special/ev/4innovations/index.html
c
lick on the "what is imiev" also for a bigger picture.
Herm 11:42AM (3/28/2009)
Dont dismiss the Toyota/Ford hybrid technology.. it is very efficient, rugged and simple. It can easily be modified by using larger motors and a large lithium pack into a long range electric only vehicle. The ICE they use is very efficient and usually runs at the best rpm for economy.
These hybrids do not use a transmission, no clutch or torque converter and no starter. They use a simple and cheap 3-gear device that mixes the power from 2 motor/generators along with the ICE and deliver it to the wheels.
By electronically controlling the rotation direction and rpm of the two motor/generator they can achieve:
1. forward motion of the car with the ICE off and not turning, full electric operation.
2. reverse with the ICE stopped
3. recharge of the battery
4. mixed operation
5. engine braking or regenerative braking
6. turn the engine and start it, replacing the starter
So they are replacing an expensive transmission/starter with two motors and two controllers, plus the battery pack... a very simple and elegant solution.
The 2010 Prius has already been equiped with larger motors, it would be very simple for Toyota to compete with the Volt and just add a larger lithium pack, may even be cheaper and get better economy than the Volt.
Once the 40 mile range of the Volt has been depleted it has some efficiency losses, the conversion of ICE power to electricity and the losses of the electric motor to turn the wheels.. The Prius directly drives the wheels from the ICE so it is more efficient at that point.
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Herm 12:01PM (3/28/2009)
I think Toyota is making a killing on the Prius..
marcvill 1:50PM (4/20/2009)
When did Mitsu say they were going to have their first hybrid? I saw a black Outlander hybrid this morning. Shocked when I saw Mitsubishi and hybrid together. In Florida btw.
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