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Hiroshi Shimizu’s life dream is to build an electric vehicle for the consumer masses. Perhaps, since both Mitsubishi and Isuzu recently announced they were partnering with his startup firm, he may be closer to realizing his goal than before.
Last September, Shimizu — the creator of the unusual electric Eliica concept shown above — founded a new venture called SIM-Drive Corporation. The company intends to draw upon the experience of multiple corporate partners to develop a production-intent vehicle.
Presently, 32 companies have partnered with SIM-Drive, although Mitsubishi and Isuzu appear to be the only entities that have any experience in vehicle engineering and assembly. (Most of the others appear to be battery or technology firms) Each company must invest $221,000 in SIM-Drive and designate an engineer to work with the venture until a vehicle is produced. In return, each company receives access to any new technologies developed by the group. SIM-Drive will license those same technologies to other corporations to help turn a profit.
Although Shimizu’s Eliica prototype can accelerate from 0-62 mph in under 4 seconds and has a top speed of 230 mph, the single most important goal of the SIM-Drive venture is to develop an EV with (at least) 190 miles of range while remaining cost-competitive in the global marketplace. SIM-Drive plans on having the fruits of its labor ready for mass production in 2013.
Source: Automotive News
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