2012
NTN Starts Demonstration Test of a Compact, Two-seater EV Equipped with NTN's In-wheel Motor in Shizuoka prefectureApril 23, 2012
NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) announces that it will start a demonstration test of a compact, two-seater EV*2 equipped with the world's first “In-wheel Motor System for Compact EVs” in collaboration with the “Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town Concept*1” 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*3 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.
*1 The vehicles used in this demonstration test were manufactured by Tajima Motor Corporation located in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture
*2 Press release of demonstration test in Iwata City
“Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town Concept” by Shizuoka Prefecture
The compact, two-seater EV “Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town Concept Demonstration Vehicle” equipped with the in-wheel motor
In-wheel Motor System and Demonstration Test Vehicle
Features of the In-wheel Motor System for Compact EVs
In-wheel motor system for compact EVs
Effective use of free space and greater design flexibility
- Compact in-wheel motor module
A thin hub bearing has been used, allowing it to be mounted within the wheel. - Drivetrain integrated into a systemized unit
Drive motor, reducer, hub bearing, control system (including inverter) - Independent control of drive power to left and right wheels
Compact, two-seater EV (chassis model)
Installed in the rear two wheels
Compact, two-seater EV (Shizuoka Prefecture Demonstration Vehicle)
Vehicle Specifications
Scene from the opening ceremony of the New Tomei Expressway
New Tomei Expressway opening ceremony (ribbon-cutting ceremony)
“Fujinokuni EV, PHV Town Concept Demonstration Vehicle” driving during the opening ceremony
Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Kawakatsu (right) and Chairman Tajima of Tajima Motor Corporation (left)
“Converted EV equipped with the In-wheel Motor System” during demonstration tests as an official Iwata City vehicle
“Converted EV equipped with the Onboard Drive System” during demonstration tests as an official Iwata City vehicle
Vehicles equipped with the EV systems on display (at the Shimizu Parking Area)