Making its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV combines cutting-edge design with the latest EV and plug-in hybrid technologies to deliver a vehicle that balances road performance and comfort with environmental performance and fuel economy.
By utilising differential motors and Mitsubishi’s all-new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), the Concept PX-MiEV utilises Electric-powered Active Yaw Control (E-AYC) which transfers torque to the rear left and right wheels. Other features include Mitsubishi’s comfortable cabin environment, as well as many of the latest safety technologies.
Powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in EV mode, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV returns fuel economy in excess of 50 km/litre.
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV (show model)
1. Design
Solid, Safety, and Simple were the keywords which drove the development of an exterior design suitable for a next-generation crossover that creates simple appearance from which all extraneous elements have been pared and that is free of the “rugged” elements typical in conventional SUVs. The headlamps and rear combination lamps use LED emitters that give the car an innovative and modern appearance as well as delivering better environmental performance with their reduced power consumption.
The body uses a newly-developed metal colour that gives the car a metal shell-like appearance. Combining elements of both spoke and dish styling, the road wheel design highlights an unprecedented new look to the body as well improving brake cooling and aerodynamic performance.
The interior was designed to give an image of an aeroplane cockpit to improve the driver’s concentration, with an instrument panel that envelops the driver and utilises seats that keep passengers firmly in place. In addition, the entire instrument panel and door trim utilize soft LED lighting that express the vehicle’s innovation and refinement.
2. Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV’s front and rear wheels are powered by two permanent magnet synchronous motors and is also fitted with a 1.6L DOHC MIVEC engine which can power the front wheels as well as work as a generator. In addition, the vehicle comes with the newly-developed Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System in which electronic circuitry automatically switches to the optimum drive mode for different driving conditions and remaining energy in the drive battery to extract maximum efficiency from the electric motors and from the gasoline engine.
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also utilises the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) which selects the optimum drive mode through integrated control of the EV components and the gasoline engine as well as controls optimum electrical charge and output in response to remaining battery energy through constant monitoring of the drive battery. With these, a pleasing, safe, and comfortable ride is achieved while conserving energy. In addition, to maximise effective use of the drive battery, the vehicle is equipped with a power supply mode that allows the use of some battery power to supply domestic appliances or as an emergency power source in the event of a natural disaster.
(1) EV mode
At low to middle vehicle speeds, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV’s drive battery powers the front motor using front-wheel drive. When driving on snow, in the rain or in other low surface friction situations where maximum vehicle stability is required, the system automatically switches to four-wheel drive mode by feeding power to the rear wheel motor as well when sensors detect any front wheel slip.
(2) Series hybrid mode
When the remaining energy in the drive battery falls to a predetermined level the system starts the gasoline engine to generate electricity and automatically switches to the series hybrid mode using the electricity generated to power the motors. In this mode as well, the system switches to four-wheel drive by driving the rear motor depending on driving conditions.
(3) Parallel hybrid mode
At higher vehicle speeds the car is supported by the gasoline engine which operates more efficiently than the electric motors at high revolutions. In this mode, the gasoline engine also helps drive the wheels. When the driver makes sudden lane changes or other manoeuvres requiring greater vehicle stability, the system switches to four-wheel drive by bringing in the rear motor to drive the rear wheels, improving stability. In addition, when overtaking at higher speeds or in other situations requiring faster acceleration the system switches in both front and rear motors to provide additional power and assist the gasoline engine, providing high acceleration.
(4) Regenerative mode
When the vehicle is slowing or coasting down a long descending slope the system switches to regenerative mode in which kinetic energy reclaimed from the wheels is stored in the drive battery.
(5) Charging mode
As with the production i-MiEV, Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV features a three-way battery charging system using either a domestic supply or a high-power quick-charging station. The system also incorporates a Wireless Charging Program feature that allows the owner to start charging the battery or start the air conditioner at a pre-set time even when away from the vehicle.
(6) Power supply mode
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also subscribes to the “Smart Grid” concept that calls for maximising the effective use of electrical power and which is currently attracting attention in the fight to combat global warming. When not on the road the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV allows the owner to store electricity at night and then use that electricity via the normal charging connector to power home appliances during the daytime when domestic electricity consumption is highest.
This allows the drive battery to be used as a power source in the event of a natural disaster. Should the electricity left in the battery fall below a predetermined level, the gasoline engine starts up and works as generator to maintain the power supply at a fixed level.
An AC auxiliary socket in the rear luggage compartment also allows the electricity stored in the drive battery to be used to power cooking or lighting equipment and other appliances when camping or engaged in other leisure activities.
3. Drive system
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses Mitsubishi’s S-AWC integrated vehicle handling control system which is configured around an Electronically-powered four-wheel drive (E-4WD) system that controls front and rear motor output to deliver the optimum front/rear drive torque split. Under the integrated control of the S-AWC system are Electric-powered Active Yaw Control (E-AYC), which controls left/right torque split at the rear wheels and the degree of deceleration energy recovery, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) components.
Unlike the AYC system on the Lancer Evolution X which uses a wet multi-plate clutch arrangement, E-AYC uses a differential motor to control rear wheel torque split. The use of the differential motor makes for a high-efficiency system with outstanding response and contributes to the on-demand handling and outstanding vehicle stability that characterizes the S-AWC system.
4. Cocochi (cozy interior)
Some Mitsubishi Motors production cars already feature the cocochi-interior (which translates loosely as cozy interior) which embraces occupants in a pleasantly comfortable cabin environment developed to a “Clean, Stress-free and Safe and Reassuring” theme.
For Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV the cocochi-interior brings a number of new features including: seat upholstery that deactivates allergens, breaks down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and offensive odor molecules as well as killing bacteria; glass that shuts out UV-A radiation to protect skin from darkening and aging; and a negative-ion aroma humidifier and oxygen enricher that improve comfort and reduce fatigue. The original and the new cocochi-interior features provide a cabin atmosphere that enhances occupant comfort as well as contributing to safer operation of the vehicle.
5. Cabin heat load reducing technologies
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses a windshield that uses heat-reflecting glass to reduce the amount of heat energy passing through and uses IR- (infrared ray) blocking glass in the door windows. The body paint also incorporates heat-reflective and insulation technology. Inside the vehicle the four seats are individually air conditioned and cabin humidity is regulated. The adoption of these heat load reducing technologies allows efficient climate control while reducing power consumption to the absolute minimum in making for a very comfortable occupant space.
6. Active safety technologies
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV showcases several active safety technologies.
The “New Multi-around Monitor” system uses cameras located at strategic points on the body to provide the driver with a combined image of the full perimeter of the vehicle. The combined image is displayed for the driver on a monitor from an overhead view for improved safety around the perimeter of the vehicle.
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is equipped for the Driving Safety Support System (DSSS (Level II)) currently being promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency. In this advanced vehicle-infrastructure safety support system, an on-board receiver picks up signals transmitted by roadside optical beacons and the system urges the driver to take extra care when other vehicles or pedestrians have been detected by roadside sensors and cameras at intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Employing a system that uses wireless technology to ascertain the position of other vehicles and warn the driver when their proximity so requires
The vehicle is also fitted with a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC*5) system, employing the road-to-vehicle communications capabilities used in Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) to determine the position of the vehicle and whether it is parked or not.
*5 5.8 GHz band two-way wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use.
7. Other features
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is fitted with an electronically-controlled air suspension that gives the driver the choice of three ride height modes – Auto, High, Low – for improved stability over poor surfaces or at high speeds and for easier access to and from the vehicle.
The concept also uses a new-generation steering wheel switch and control layout that offers outstanding usability and switch visibility for safer and less stressful driving. Some of the audio, navigation, and climate control switches are located on the steering wheel so that the driver can operate them without having to take a hand off the wheel. Switch operation indicators located in the instrument panel make it quicker and easier for the driver to visually check and control the switch positions.
In the Driving Monitor System, a camera mounted facing the driver monitors eye movements to determine their level of alertness. If the system detects a decrease in their concentration it issues not only audible but visual and vibrational warnings and also emits a distinctive aroma to alert him/her to the situation.
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Specifications
Overall length 4510 mm
Overall width 1830 mm
Overall height 1655 mm
Wheelbase 2630 mm
Track F/R 1570 mm / 1570 mm
Occupants 4
Motors (front and rear) Permanent magnet synchronous
Max. output 60 kW (front and rear)
Max. torque 200 Nm (front and rear)
10-15 mode EV cruising range Over 50km
Engine 1.6L DOHC MIVEC
Max. output 85 kW
Max. torque 125 Nm
Generating capacity 70 kW
10-15 mode fuel consumption Over 50 km/L
Drive train E-4WD
Tyre size 245/45R20
