A recent breakthrough in electric vehicle motor technology from Japan-based SIM-Drive Corp. extends driving range 30 percent beyond today’s mass-produced extended-range vehicles. Aiding the performance were material innovations from DuPont Co.
- Image from DuPont.
Extending the range of electric vehicles would make the technology more competitive in the marketplace. Charging the vehicles can also take place at off-peak times during the evening hours.
DuPont is one of 34 companies to work with SIM-Drive, Kawasaki City, Japan, on the prototype next-generation vehicle that features nearly 50 new technologies. It was unveiled in March.
SIM-Drive credits an “in-wheel” motor system and extensive use of lightweight materials for the significant increase in mileage per charge. The vehicle also has a maximum speed of 110 miles an hour and sports car-like acceleration with a 0 to 60 time of 5.4 seconds.
Eight DuPont products, including high-performance plastics, film, paper and paint, were used in a collaborative development program between the DuPont Japan Innovation Center in Nagoya, Japan, and SIM-Drive.
