Small, lightweight batteries which can be recharged quickly and provide better performance were the key to Subaru's R1e winning a Japanese environmental award.
Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles has been awarded the Minister of the Environment’s 2006 Commendation for Global Warming Prevention Activity for its development of the Subaru R1e electric vehicle in conjunction with Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (TEPCO) and NEC Lamilion Energy, Ltd.
Presented by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment annually, the award is open to individuals and organisations that have achieved outstanding results in preventing global warming.
The award comprises five categories: technological development and commercialisation, popularisation and introduction of countermeasures, countermeasure activities, environmental education and international contribution.
FHI received a commendation in the technological development and commercialisation category for the jointly developed Subaru R1e electric vehicle and its high-speed charger.
The Subaru R1e electric vehicle features a number of technological developments that were highly rated for helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• High-density lithium-ion batteries that can be quickly charged.
• Convenient high-speed charger that can be used to charge the battery to 80 per cent capacity in only 15 minutes, eliminating the need for a large quantity of expensive batteries to be kept in the vehicle.
• Compact high-performance electric vehicle that uses this battery for power.
Subaru’s R1e electric vehicle is only available in Japan.
