Tech Briefs
Mitsubishi establishes a new world electric-vehicle distance record

Mitsubishi's experimental electric car, based on the series production FTO coupe.

Mitsubishi Motor Corp.'s experimental storage-battery electric vehicle ran the longest distance, over 2000 km (1243 mi), in 24 hours. The vehicle is based on a production FTO small sports coupe converted to electric drive. The car used the manganese lithium-ion type battery, jointly developed with Japan Storage Battery Co. and Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.

The run took place on the 2.4-km (1.5-mi) oval track at Mitsubishi's Okazaki Passenger Car

Research and Development Center Proving Ground, starting at 8 a.m. on December 19 and ending at 8 a.m. on December 20. The FTO-EV covered a total distance of 2142 km (1331 mi) in the 24-hour period.

The previous record, though unofficial, was set by a Saturn prototype, which covered 1700 km (1056 mi) in 1996. Mitsubishi is applying to the Guinness Book of Records for its recognition.

The new manganese lithium-ion battery represents a major advance in electric vehicle operating efficiency, reports Mitsubishi, drastically reducing the time required for recharging by as much as 65%, and a 10% increase in cruising range per charge. Mitsubishi will use the manganese lithium-ion battery in its GDI-HEV (gasoline direct-injection engine, hybrid electric vehicle) application.

Jack Yamaguchi