Electric car travels more than 1,000 kilometers on a single charge


A specially converted electric-powered Daihatsu Mira has beaten its own long-distance record, traveling 1,003.18 km, or about 624 miles, in Japan, reports Alternative Energy News this week.

While the vehicle traveled at the relatively sluggish speed of about 25 mph for about 27.5 hours to reach the distance, the accomplishment is a rather remarkable move forward for battery-powered technology. The Mira EV used 8,320 cylindrical Sanyo lithium-ion 18650 batteries, typically used in laptops. Ecofriend.org reports a team of drivers from Tokyo-based Japan Electric Vehicle Club pulled off the feat in the club-created mini-car in Ibaraki, Japan from May 22 to May 23.

"Mira EV has created a feat worthy enough to be recorded in Guinness World Record now, by traveling 1,000 km on a single charge," Alternative Energy said.

And Sanyo said it "continues to improve its lithium-ion battery technology as it contributes to realizing a low carbon society."

Wired.com put the accomplishment in perspective. "We found the 18650 on eBay for $6.75 each, which means the price tag on the conversion must have topped $55,000. Considering the record-breaking run had an average speed of 30 miles an hour and required a ton of work to convert an existing car, we offer our congratulations to the Japan EV Club, but — if given the choice — would probably rather deal with the hassle of recharging a Tesla every 313 miles."

The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to improving our region's quality of life by increasing its production and use of clean and alternative energy. The SJVCEO works with cities and counties and public and private organizations to demonstrate the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the eight-county region of the San Joaquin Valley.
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