What Is It?
Mitsubishi Concept-CT
What's Special About It?
Concept-CT is Mitsubishi's take on a city car of the future. Utilizing both hybrid gasoline-electric drive and the potential for electric-only operation, the Concept-CT is an exercise in technology, utility and efficiency.
"Concept-CT's purpose is to explore the small-car segment with our 'Driven to Thrill' philosophy," said Dave O'Connell, chief designer of Mitsubishi R&D of America. "It's designed to specifically avoid being a penalty car with striking looks and impressive dynamics."
The leading technology at work is Mitsubishi's MIEV, which stands for Mitsubishi In-wheel-motor Electric Vehicle. MIEV places an electric motor in each wheel eliminating the need for a driveshaft in the all-wheel-drive CT.
Primary power for the four-door CT is supplied by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine mounted behind the rear seats but in front of the rear axle. The engine drives the rear wheels and also works as a generator to charge the CT's lithium-ion batteries. Alternatively, the CT can move under the power of its four in-wheel electric motors. Like many hybrids, the CT benefits from regenerative braking to return power to its batteries.
Beyond the obvious socially responsible benefits of a car that reduces hydrocarbon emissions and has outstanding fuel economy, the MIEV drive system offers numerous packaging benefits.
"The CT has a flat floor front to rear and the entire area between the front tires is available for storage," said O'Connell. "Plus, the tiny gasoline engine requires little space in the rear of the car so there's ample storage there, too."
What's Edmunds' Take?
Even though the MIEV system offers benefits like a lower center of gravity, and fewer packaging restrictions, we can think of as many equally difficult-to-avoid drawbacks like massive unsprung weight from the electric motor housed in each wheel. Nevertheless, it's an interesting direction for alternative drive. — Josh Jacquot
Mitsubishi Concept-CT
What's Special About It?
Concept-CT is Mitsubishi's take on a city car of the future. Utilizing both hybrid gasoline-electric drive and the potential for electric-only operation, the Concept-CT is an exercise in technology, utility and efficiency.
"Concept-CT's purpose is to explore the small-car segment with our 'Driven to Thrill' philosophy," said Dave O'Connell, chief designer of Mitsubishi R&D of America. "It's designed to specifically avoid being a penalty car with striking looks and impressive dynamics."
The leading technology at work is Mitsubishi's MIEV, which stands for Mitsubishi In-wheel-motor Electric Vehicle. MIEV places an electric motor in each wheel eliminating the need for a driveshaft in the all-wheel-drive CT.
Primary power for the four-door CT is supplied by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine mounted behind the rear seats but in front of the rear axle. The engine drives the rear wheels and also works as a generator to charge the CT's lithium-ion batteries. Alternatively, the CT can move under the power of its four in-wheel electric motors. Like many hybrids, the CT benefits from regenerative braking to return power to its batteries.
Beyond the obvious socially responsible benefits of a car that reduces hydrocarbon emissions and has outstanding fuel economy, the MIEV drive system offers numerous packaging benefits.
"The CT has a flat floor front to rear and the entire area between the front tires is available for storage," said O'Connell. "Plus, the tiny gasoline engine requires little space in the rear of the car so there's ample storage there, too."
What's Edmunds' Take?
Even though the MIEV system offers benefits like a lower center of gravity, and fewer packaging restrictions, we can think of as many equally difficult-to-avoid drawbacks like massive unsprung weight from the electric motor housed in each wheel. Nevertheless, it's an interesting direction for alternative drive. — Josh Jacquot
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