2012

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) will begin demonstration tests of a two-seater compact EV equipped with the “In-Wheel Motor System for Compact EVs” in Annecy, France.

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. Demonstration tests of the technology began last year with the cooperation of Shizuoka Prefecture^*1 and Iwata City^*2 in Shizuoka Prefecture, and this year, a demonstration test of a two-seater compact EV equipped with the “In-Wheel Motor System for Compact EVs” will begin for the first time in Annecy, France.

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.

By starting demonstration tests in the European market, where the popularity of EVs continues to rise, NTN will be able to focus on faster development of EV system products globally, and also on further activities into the future to increase the spread of next-generation EVs.

The vehicle in this upcoming demonstration test was unveiled at the opening event of the “Annecy International Animated Film Festival ^*3” held on June 4, and was used for transportation between venues during the festival. A demonstration test of the concept “Q'mo^*4” car equipped with the In-Wheel Motor System was also conducted at the opening event to showcase the potential of the In-Wheel Motor System, including “lateral move” and “pivot turn.”

*1 Shizuoka Prefecture demonstration test press release

*2 Iwata City demonstration test press release

*3 International animated film festival that forms part of the Cannes Film Festival. Held independently in Annecy since 1960.

*4 Exhibit at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show