April 23, 2012
NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) announces that it will
start a demonstration test of a compact, two-seater EV*1
equipped with the world's first "In-wheel Motor System
for Compact EVs" in collaboration with the "Fujinokuni EV,
PHV Town Concept" initiative organized by Shizuoka
Prefecture.
NTN applied the technology acquired with its research and
development into bearings and has embarked on development
of in-wheel motors from an early stage. In October last
year, NTN started a demonstration test*2 by providing two
converted EVs, one equipped with the "In-wheel Motor
System" and the other with the "Onboard Drive System," to
Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture to be used as official
Iwata City vehicles. A new demonstration test will start
using a compact, two-seater EV equipped with an in-wheel
motor as part of the "Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town Concept"
initiative organized by Shizuoka Prefecture. This
demonstration EV was driven by Shizuoka Prefectural
Governor Kawakatsu during the opening ceremony of the New
Tomei Expressway on April 14.
The vehicle developed for this demonstration test is a
compact, two-seater EV equipped with the "In-wheel Motor
System for Compact EVs." The in-wheel motor system features
a motor mounted directly within the wheel, which allows
more effective use of free space and greater design
flexibility for vehicles. The "In-wheel Motor System for
Compact EVs" is an EV system product that has been reduced
to such a size and weight that the hub bearing, reducer and
motor that make up the in-wheel motor have been mounted
within the wheel, and includes a control system consisting
of an inverter. EVs are expected to play a major role in
local communities as they are ideal for driving short
distances, including shopping and commuting, and are easy
to get in and out of, which means that are suited to users
of advanced age.
In addition to developed next-generation EV system
products, NTN is also committed to running social
demonstration tests and other activities with vehicles
equipped with these developed products, and will also focus
on further activities into the future to increase the
uptake of next-generation EVs.
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"Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town Concept"
by Shizuoka Prefecture
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The compact, two-seater EV "Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town
Concept Demonstration Vehicle" equipped with the
in-wheel motor
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[In-wheel Motor System and Demonstration Test Vehicle]
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Features of the In-wheel Motor System for
Compact EVs
-Effective use of free space and greater design
flexibility-
(1)Compact in-wheel motor module
A thin hub bearing has been used, allowing it to be
mounted within the wheel.(2)Drivetrain integrated
into a systemized unit
Drive motor, reducer, hub bearing, control system
(including inverter)(3)Independent control of drive
power to left and right wheels
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In-wheel motor system for compact EVs
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Compact, two-seater EV (chassis model)
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Installed in the rear two wheels
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Compact, two-seater EV
(Shizuoka Prefecture Demonstration Vehicle)
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[Scene from the opening ceremony of the New Tomei
Expressway]
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New Tomei Expressway opening ceremony
(ribbon-cutting ceremony)
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"Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town Concept Demonstration
Vehicle" driving during the opening ceremony
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Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Kawakatsu (right)
and Chairman Tajima of Tajima Motor Corporation
(left)
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"Converted EV equipped with the In-wheel Motor
System" during demonstration tests as an official
Iwata City vehicle
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"Converted EV equipped with the Onboard Drive
System" during demonstration tests as an official
Iwata City vehicle
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Vehicles equipped with the EV systems on
display (at the Shimizu Parking Area)
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NTN Corporation
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CSR & Corporate Communications Department
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TEL:
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+81-6-6449-3579
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FAX:
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+81-6-6443-6966
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