October 4, 2011

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) will begin the world's first demonstration test of a converted EV* powered by the In-wheel Motor System on public roads in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan in October.

The demonstration test will be conducted as part of the “Pilot Program for Converted EV” within the “Business related to next-generation automobiles” initiative being organized by the Iwata City New Industrial Generation Council (tentative name) to be established in Iwata City in October. A converted EV powered by the In-wheel Motor System developed by NTN will be used as an official Iwata City vehicle** as part of a demonstration test on public roads in the city for next-generation EV in order to gather and analyze data on performance, safety technologies, quality and other aspects.

The In-wheel Motor System is gaining recognition as a type of drive mechanism for next-generation EVs, and incorporates the motor and speed reducer directly mounted within the wheel. The system does not require systems such as an engine, transmission or drive axles found in ordinary automobiles powered with an internal combustion engine, which results in a reduction in the number of man-hours required for the assembly and maintenance of automobiles. The space that would have otherwise been used for these parts can be used more effectively, which greatly improves flexibility of space and body design.

NTN has made continuous improvements to the In-wheel Motor System since embarking on development in 2003 with the aim of commercializing the system. The world's lightest “In-wheel Motor System”, which will be utilized in this demonstration test, comes equipped with a module unit containing the cycloid speed reduction mechanism, hub bearings and various sensors, and features a control system (including an inverter) that properly controls the motor drive force. Together, the system forms a reliable drive mechanism designed specifically with safety as the top priority.


* Converted EV refers to a modified EV with a motor replacing the ordinary internal combustion engine and batteries mounted onboard.
** The official vehicle provided for use by Iwata City was manufactured by Tajima Motor Corporation Co.,Ltd., a company based in Iwata City that is involved in the development of EVs.

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