Is a Smart Grid Society Just Around the Corner? | MITSUBISHI MOTORS
CAR / NEWS
December 15, 2014

Is a Smart Grid Society Just Around the Corner? | MITSUBISHI MOTORS


MITSUBISHI MOTORS

A Smart Grid Society Is Within Reach!?


Mitsubishi Launches Next-Generation Device to Turn EVs into Power Sources



Electricity is disposable. That era may soon be over. The "MiEV power BOX," a power supply device released by Mitsubishi Motors on Friday, April 27th, is a next-generation device that hints at such a future for us.



Text by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)



An All-Purpose Device Capable of Powering an Average Household for About a Day



True to its name, the MiEV power BOX functions as a "power box" – a device that stores and supplies electricity, essentially acting as a battery. However, it differs significantly from conventional batteries. While batteries are typically paired with power-generating devices like solar panels to store surplus electricity, this device's ultimate purpose isn't just storage. For instance, when electricity is suddenly needed away from home, or during emergencies like a power outage, if an EV (electric vehicle) is nearby, it can supply enough power for an entire day.──This device makes such a magical scenario possible.


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The MiEV power BOX is a power supply device exclusively for Mitsubishi Motors' EVs, the "i-MiEV" and "MINICAB-MiEV." Simply by connecting it to the vehicle's charging connector, a portion of the electricity stored in the EV can be drawn out, up to a maximum of 1500 watts. It can be used continuously for approximately 5 to 6 hours, which is calculated to be enough to power an average household for about one day.




EVs are typically equipped with large-capacity drive batteries. The electricity stored in the battery via the charging connector is the car's motive force, equivalent to gasoline in a gasoline-powered car. However, this is originally used to drive the car. But what if this EV battery could supply electricity for other uses, as needed and in the required amounts? The EV would suddenly transform from a recipient of electricity to a supplier.

Following last year'sGreat East Japan Earthquake, there was a period of increased scrutiny for EVs, which run on electricity, due to the subsequent power shortages. The device being released this time throws a stone into that discussion. In the event of a large-scale disaster, it can serve as a "source" of electricity, continuously supplying power to essential home appliances until the stored energy in the battery is depleted. This is truly a first step towards a smart grid society where precious electricity is used efficiently. It offers us a glimpse of a new, next-generation society.

MiEV power BOX
Dimensions | W395 x H194 x D334mm
Connection Cable Length | 1.7m
Weight | 11.5kg (Main unit 9.5kg, Cable 2kg)
Output Voltage | AC100V
Maximum Output | 1500W (15A)
Output Terminal | 1 x AC100V outlet

Inquiries
Mitsubishi Motors Customer Relations Center
Tel. 0120-324-860