Japanese JV to make in-wheel motor electric cars

Keio University, Benesse Corp. and others announced that they have established a joint venture (JV) to develop electric cars powered by in-wheel-motors, a technology that will dramatically lengthen electric vehicles’ driving distances. SIM-Drive Corp. will provide the in-wheel motor technology to participating firms and work towards the commercialization of electric vehicles using the technology. SIM-Drive has tapped Hiroshi Shimizu, a professor at Keio University’s Faculty of Environment and Information Studies program, as its president. Because in-wheel motors transfer power more efficiently to wheels than conventional motor-based drive mechanisms, “they can double the driving distance per charge,” according to Shimizu. SIM-Drive also plans to develop a business of converting existing gasoline-engine automobiles into electric vehicles. (August 25, 2009)