SIM-Drive develop 4 motor AWD electric Toyota 86 [VIDEO]

The EV SIM-86e, a Toyota 86 developed by SIM-DRIVE, was exhibited at the Odaiba Motor Fes. The car is an 86 based EV, with all 4 wheels powered by independent motors.

Technical specifications haven't been released (in English at least) but we can make some educated guesses. The AWD EVs developed by SIM-Drive to date, SIM-Lei, SIM-Wil & SIM-Cel have all used direct drive in-wheel motors. We can see from the picture below (click on image to enlarge), the standard friction brakes are visible in the wheels so the SIM-86e must be running in-board motors.

In developing the SIM-86e, Tajima Motor Corporation used E-RUNNER technology, which the company has been developing for racing vehicles to participate in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb. TMC Chairman of the Board and SIM-Drive President and Director Nobuhiro Tajima explained:

“Since our development of a 4WD automobile with a twin engine, we have been playing with such car-control technology as multiple power sources and 4 independent motors. In the SIM-86e we have thoroughly employed the control know-how cultivated through developments to E-RUNNER technology.”

While the Pikes Peak winning E-RUNNER was all-wheel-drive, it used only two motors driving the wheels through a differential on each axle. The motors were supplied by GKN and belived to be 2x AFM-240 motors, each capable of 335 kw (455 hp) and 1200 Nm Peak. As the GKN Evo motors are not suitable for in-wheel mounting we might speculate that the SIM-86e may be running 4x in-board AFM-140 motors driving the wheels via standard half-shafts, with or without gear reduction. The original SIM-Drive wheel motors were outer-rotor (drum brake type) radial flux BLDC motors (see SIM-Cel motor below) while GKN Evo's are axial flux (disc type) motors.

“This year there were some wet roads, and for that reason our times didn't improve. However, with next year’s dry conditions, I think it may be possible to achieve a new course record. Also, our efforts for next year’s car are making it compatible with a fast charger, meaning we will get technological feed back for product version EVs as well. Both for practical reasons and in times of crises, EV’s clearly need to have the ability to charge quickly. I’m confident that fast charging technology for harsh motor sports conditions will be useful for developing the product versions to come.”

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SIM Drive to start mass production of wheel motor powered EVs in Malaysia [VIDEO]

SIM-Drive have announced their SIM-CEL electric supercar and revealed that they will bring Alka Corporation of Malaysia into the project to expand operations for the mass-production of EVs.

The SIM-CEL is a sports type EV capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Company president Hiroshi Shimizu says acceleration is comparable to 0.7 G that the eight-wheeled ELiica EV developed at Keio University.

The two seaters four 66 Kw (90 hp) Outer Rotor BLDC PM in-Wheel Motors have increased torque from 700 Nm to 850 Nm. It also makes extensive use of synthetic materials such as carbon fiber in the exterior body panels, resulting in a weight reduction of 79 kg compared to using steel panels. Cruising range is rated at 324 km (JC08 Mode) from the 29.6-kWh battery achieve an energy efficiency of 91.2Wh/km. (Nissan Leaf 114 Wh/km JC08)

The SIM-CEL was developed as a prototype electric vehicle projected for mass-production in 2015, funded by 26 organizations considering entering the electric vehicle business.

SIM Drive revealed Alka Corporation will be joining the SIM-Drive project, and mass-production of EVs will begin within the next three years.

Which models that are to be mass-produced will be discussed later on.

SIM-Drive President and Keio University professor Hiroshi Shimizu said, "While we were only able to announce Alka Corporation at this time, we are actually attracting a lot of interest from around the world [from companies other than Alka Corporation]. I think the time for our technologies to go out into the world has come at last."

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DuPont and SIM-Drive Collaborate on EV Materials Technology

A recent breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) motor technology from Japan-based SIM-Drive extends the driving range 100 percent further than today's mass-produced EV vehicles, mostly due to regenerate braking gains from the direct drive in-wheel motors but also in part due to science-powered material innovations and collaboration from DuPont.

"Innovations that help reduce dependence on fossil fuels play a critical role in the future of the automotive industry," said DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha (DKK) President Minoru Amoh. "The power is both in the technology and the collaborative business model used to develop the prototype."

DuPont is one of 34 companies to work with SIM-Drive, Kawasaki City, Japan, on the prototype SIM-WIL next generation EV vehicle that features nearly 50 new technologies. It was unveiled in March.

SIM-Drive credits a unique "in-wheel" motor system and extensive use of lightweight materials for the significant increase in kilometers per charge. Combined with low rolling resistance tires and super low aero drag body results in electrical power consumption during JC-08 tests of only 158 wh/mi (99 Wh/km) (SIM-LEI) compared to an already relatively frugal (compared to any ICE powered vehicle) Nissan LEAF which recorded 340 wh/mi (212 Wh/km) in EPA tests.

SIM-WIL also delivers a maximum speed of 180 km/h (110 mph) and achieved 351km (210 Miles) range with a 35 kWh battery installed. In acceleration performance tests the car recorded 5.4 sec 0 to 100km.

"Especially in electric vehicle (EV) applications, these high temperature, chemically resistant products and electrical insulation materials contribute to increased EV system reliability and performance under severe conditions such as wide ranging temperatures and high voltage," said Tomoyuki Shinkai, operating officer, vehicle development co-ordination division general manager, SIM-Drive Corp.

DuPont high-performance plastics such as DuPont(TM) Zytel(R) HTN PPA in the in-wheel motor and DuPont(TM) Kapton(R) polyimide film in indicator lighting helped SIM-DRIVE keep weight lower than EVs on the road today. DuPont(TM) Zytel(R) HTN used in key in-wheel motor bobbins are stronger, lighter and more cost effective than the PPS it replaces. Kapton(R), known for use in high-reliability applications from Mars Rover to mobile devices, replaces the need for a circuit board, shaving 80 percent of the weight from the lighting component.

"This project shows how light weight, high-performance materials such as Zytel(R) HTN PPA can take extremes, allowing designers to bring innovation to electric and hybrid electric vehicles without adding weight associated with metal," said James Hay, regional director, DuPont Performance Polymers, Asia Pacific.

"Clearly collaboration plays a powerful role in helping showcase new and innovative ideas and in the last few years, DuPont has stepped up to the challenge with innovation centers networked around the world to connect materials-science innovation to market needs, especially in vehicle electrification, lightweighting and renewable materials," said Hay.

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SIM-WIL wheel motor powered prototype Test Drive [VIDEO]

UPDATE: Japanese R&D firm SIM-Drive earlier this week launched their second generation wheel motor powered prototype, the SIM-WIL. The car offers 220 Miles (352 km) of range from a 35 kWh battery, and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. SIM-Drive are looking to get the final production model on sale in 2014.

The car is equipped with four Direct Drive 90 horsepower / 516 lb/ft (66 kW / 700 Nm) Outer Rotor BLDC PM Wheel Motors, one in each wheel, giving the vehicle a total 360 horsepower with 2064 lb/ft (260 kW / 2800 Nm) of torque from zero rpm. Direct Drive wheel motors eliminate the 20-30% energy loss typical of mechanical transmission systems.

The direct drive system not only increases drive energy efficiency but also a matching increase in brake energy regeneration efficiency which is maximized by the SIM-WIL being all wheel drive.

These drive and regeneration gains are why SIM-Drive vehicles boast approx double the range of more conventional EVs like the Nissan Leaf, using approx the same battery capacity, as they are able to use less energy to accelerate and are also able to maximze brake regeneration on deceleration.

Combined with low rolling resistance tires and super low aero drag body results in electrical power consumption during JC-08 tests of only 158 wh/mi (99 Wh/km) (SIM-LEI)compared to an already relatively frugal (compared to any ICE powered vehicle) Nissan LEAF which recorded 340 wh/mi (212 Wh/km) in EPA tests.

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SIM-Drive launch new SIM-WIL model with 351 km EV range

The SIM-WIL is the latest iteration of EV development for SIM-Drive, The new car has the exterior dimensions of a B-segment compact with the interior space of an E-segment sedan, offers 351 km (218 miles) of range, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. SIM-Drive are looking to get the final production model on sale in 2014.

SIM-WIL provide a working test bed for the future production car. With their own design of in-wheel motors, as well as techniques to incorporate as many components as possible into the frame of the car itself. These technologies free up alot of interior space of the car for the passengers.

A direct-drive in-wheel motor system is the basic technology of SIM-Drive, the SIM-WIL achieved 351km range (JC08 mode) with a 35 kWh battery installed. In acceleration performance tests the car recorded 5.4 sec 0 to 100km. The WIL also Achieves a minimum turning radius of 5.4m while holding the long-wheelbase and uses a combination of steel space-frame body and the monocoque steel.

The SIM-WIL, like the SIM-LEI, uses outer rotor/direct drive-type in-wheel motors. But SIM-Drive drastically reduced torque ripple (vibration caused by unstable motor speed at the time of starting up motors), which has been a problem for the SIM-LEI, by improving the structure of the in-wheel motors.

The weight, power consumption (under the JC08 test mode) and maximum speed of the SIM-WIL are 1,580kg, 99.7Wh/km and 180km/h, respectively. It is equipped with Panasonic Corp's 18650 battery whose capacity is 35.1kWh. It takes three hours to charge the battery with a rapid charger supporting the "CHAdeMO" standard and 12 hours with a household power outlet (200V).

With this second generation prototype, the SIM-WIL, undergoing testing, SIM-Drive is now turning its attention to the infrastructure that needs to accompany the uptake of the vehicles themselves in order to make electric cars a viable option. In this regard it is joining with companies not traditionally associated with EV development, such as Sekisui House (home construction) and Mitsui Fudosan (real estate) to focus on three key areas of smart homes, smart grids and smart cities. This new phase is scheduled to be complete by the end of March 2013 with mass production planned for 2014.

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Close-up Look @ the Wheel Motor powered SIM-LEI [video]

The SIM-LEI, an electric car developed by a spin-off startup at Keio University in Tokyo in collaboration with a total of 34 domestic and foreign companies, says it is on track to start mass-producing the vehicle in about 2 years.

The LEI can travel 333 kilometres (207 miles) on a single charge of it's 24.5 kWh battery, which is approx the same battery capacity as that found in the Nissan Leaf. SIM Drive said the LEI (“Leading Efficiency In-Wheel motor”) recorded an electrical power consumption of only 77Wh/km during JC-08 mode tests. (for comparison, a Nissan LEAF consumes 120Wh/km in JC-08 mode).

A brief run down on electric vehicle dynamics to explain how this vehicle achieves 77 Wh/km.

The car is equipped with a 65 kW / 700 Nm Outer Rotor BLDC PM Wheel Motor in each wheel (260 kW / 2800 Nm total). These Direct Drive wheel motors eliminate the 20-30% energy loss common to a typical automotive mechanical transmission system. This direct drive energy efficiency gain translates into a matching increase in brake energy regeneration potential and that potential is multiplied by the SIM-LEI being all wheel drive, meaning it collects the maximum available regenerated energy compared to a 2WD EV (70% of vehicle braking is on the front axle).

The JC-08 test represents driving in congested city traffic, including idling periods and frequently alternating acceleration and deceleration, providing plentiful opportunity for brake regeneration.

The JC08 is conducted on a chassis dynamometer so does not test the SIM-LEI's aerodynamics which at Cd 0.19 is the same as the tear drop shaped GM EV1 and is significantly better than the 0.28 Cd achieved by either the Volt or Leaf. Considering drag (and resulting energy loss due to aero friction) is proportional to the square of speed, it becomes clear that the SIM-LEI has been designed from the ground up to be a seriously energy efficient EV.

If the SIM-LEI went into production with a range equal to the Nissan Leaf it would require a battery pack with perhaps only half the kWh capacity, potentially halving the cost of the most expensive component in the vehicle and making the purchase price of EVs more affordable.

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Japanese electric car 'goes 300km' on single charge

Japanese developers have unveiled an electric car they said Wednesday can travel more than 300 kilometres before its battery runs flat.

Electric vehicle specialist SIM-Drive, have relaunched the car they hope to take to market by 2013. The four-seater "SIM-LEI" has electric motors inside each wheel and a super-light steel body shell, allowing for 333 kilometres (207 miles) of motoring on one charge in a JC-08 mode test, which represents general urban traffic condition in Japan.

The cars battery capacity is 24.5 kWh which is approx the same as the Nissan Leaf. Electrical power consumption during the JC-08 test was 77Wh/km. (for comparison, a Nissan LEAF consumes 120Wh/km in JC-08 mode) The test results prove the SIM-LEI with it's 4 direct drive in-wheel electric motors achieved almost double the range of the Nissan Leaf using the same capacity battery pack. This has enormous implications for the global EV market.

Its designers say they hope the prototype, a joint project among 34 organisations including Mitsubishi Motors and engineering firm IHI, will be sold to car manufacturers for mass production.

The previous launch date for this car in March of this year had the unfortunate coincidence of being at the same time the earth quakes hit Japan so the launch was scaled down as a mark of respect.

The CEO of SIM-Drive is Hiroshi Shimizu, a Keio University Professor who also developed the Eliica Electric Supercar.

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SIM-Drive launch Wheel Motor powered EV with 200 mile range

SIM-Drive has developed the Advance Development Model No. 1 named “SIM-LEI” as its nickname. LEI stands for the initial letters of “Leading Efficiency In-Wheel motor”.

The object of this project is to develop a prototype of the advanced development model aiming to start mass-production in 2013. This project collected 34 establishments and organizations who intend to enter in the electrical vehicle business in the future.

The target performance of SIM-LEI was to achieve over 300km of range per charge, which is generally pointed as the major concern for the electrical vehicle to promote in the market. The prototype achieved this target by 333km of range per charge by JC-08 mode, which represents general urban traffic condition in Japan.

The battery capacity to achieve this target is 24.5kWh as almost the same level as other electrical vehicles presented in the market. Electrical power consumption is 77Wh/km. (for comparison, a Nissan LEAF uses 173Wh/km)

The fundamental technologies to achieve this performance are the SIM-Drive original technologies, such as direct drive in-wheel motors and component built-in frame. Other than these two, the following technologies contribute a lot.

All steel monocoque body contributes to reduce body weight. High power density battery provides highly efficient energy re-generation. Super low rolling friction resistance tire reduces friction resistance. The super low air drag body reduced the drag drastically.

The SIM-LEI is as long as medium size sedan, and as wide as a compact car. It has a lot of leg room and large trunk space.

The acceleration performance, which is one of the feature of the electrical vehicle presented by
SIM-Drive, achieved by 4.8 seconds for 0-100km/h standing start acceleration. This is the performance equivalent to the prestige sport cars.

In total 34 Japanese corporations participated in this project. On completion of the development and construction, SIM-LEI proved to be able to drive in long range, and the energy consumption rate is quite favorable.

This achievement indicates that if we use mid-night surplus electricity, no additional power generation plant is required even when all vehicles in operation are replaced with the electrical vehicles.

Using battery on board of the electrical vehicle as the energy storage, electricity charged at mid-night could be used at daytime for domestic household. The electrical vehicle can be used for grid storage to help utilities at the peak-times.

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