Research and Study on Full-scale Popularization of Electric Vehicles in Hokkaido

More widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) is formulated as a national policy and expected by the public, leading to numerous environmental advantages such as the reduction in CO2 emissions in the transportation sector, as well as no exhaust gas emissions and less vibration and noise. Conventional electric vehicles are prone to many technical problems such as a decrease in cell performance and the loss of heating energy, especially in cold and snowy regions. In this regard, it was believed that a lot of time would be required for the introduction and widespread use of electric vehicles. However, thanks to the recent technological development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries and motors, EVs have been developed to a more practical level.

Under the circumstances, the Research & Development Department has obtained data and technological findings in verification test runs of iMiEV (EVs made by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation), and is now examining the feasibility of widespread use of EVs in cold and snowy regions.

［Conditions of verification test runs for iMiEV］

• Running period: From February 2008.
• Total mileage: 11,600km(as of March 31, 2009)
• Partnership in test: Joint research with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
• Main test locations: Ebetsu City and Sapporo City
• Test vehicle: iMiEV(mini-vehicle type)

*See Fig.1 and 2 about the comparison of gasoline to electric vehicles

Fig.1 Gasoline vehicle

Fig.2 Electric vehicle

［Results of the verification test runs］

• We expected mileage per electric consumption would decrease due to a lower temperature, but the temperature doesn't have a big impact on the mileage.
• Mileage per full charge decreases in winter due to bigger consumption of air-conditioning(heating) electricity compared to summer time. (See Fig.3)
• Mileage per electric consumption is increased if regenerative braking (equivalent to engine brake) is used during deceleration and stopping.
• EVs have more car performance such as starting, acceleration, deceleration, and stopping, more than gasoline vehicles and can run safely in winter time.

Fig.3 Mileage image per full charge