Japanese firm develops EV with in-wheel motors

DuPont says it is one of 34 companies working with SIM-Drive, a Japanese company that has built a prototype electric vehicle (EV) with an extended driving range.

SIM-Drive said in March its EV prototype, called SIM-WIL, has travelled 351km on a single charge, which is 30% further than other EVs. The greater range is achieved with an in-wheel motor system and through the use of lightweight materials.

The EV uses DuPont's Zytel HTN PPA material in the in-wheel motor bobbins, which the polymer group says is stronger, lighter and more cost effective than the PPS material that was used in SIM-WIL's preceding SIM-LEI prototype.

DuPont's Kapton polyimide film is used in indicator lighting. Kapton replaces the need for a circuit board, and cuts 80% of the weight from the lighting component.

Other DuPont materials in the SIM-WIL include bio-based Sorona polymer in interior applications.

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