SIM-Drive Concept Cars

[NeilBlanchard]

This is the latest SIM-Drive concept car, called the SIM-CEL - SIM-Drive is a consortium that includes Mitsubishi:

Sim-CEL has Tesla-quick performance, lasers for high beams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsfMiLxytEI&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzx7rlsuMh4&feature=player_embedded

Here's a slideshow of 15 pictures: SIM Drive to start mass production of EVs in Malaysia | Responsejp (Eco-car electric )

Here's a shot on the hatch area:

...and the driver's seat:

...from this slideshow: SIM-Drive SIM-CEL to offer comparable acceleration to the 8-wheeled ELiica | Responsejp (Automobile new model / new models )

Early concepts of the SIM-CEL:

The earlier concepts were the SIM-LEI and the SIM-WIL, and both are four seat cars, with very low drag shapes, and they all have 200+ mile ranges on the Japanese test cycle, anyway.

 

[PV1]

Looks like they combined the Aptera and the EV1. Neat.

 

[alohart]

The various SIM cars are all very interesting, but, each apparently weighing ~3,500 lb., they all need to go on a serious diet!

 

[RobertC]

The SIM-CEL concept car has a 29.6kWh battery that contributes to the weight, but has an impressive range of 201 miles.

 

[alohart]

The SIM-CEL concept car has a 29.6kWh battery that contributes to the weight, but has an impressive range of 201 miles.

Its range is based on the Japanese testing method which would mean about 120 miles using the EPA method. So its range is twice that of our i-MiEV which is certainly a nice improvement, but its battery is 85% larger. Its great aerodynamics would really help at highway speeds, but its greater mass would hurt in urban and hilly driving. It's awfully large for a 2-seater, but its length really helps with its great aerodynamics.

 

[NeilBlanchard]

Aerodynamic drag is about 50% of the load at 28-30MPH; so it is significant at most speeds.

I'm sure they could save a lot of weight with better structural design.