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>*>-- Environmental Technologies --<*<
- Super intelligent catalyst
The "intelligent catalyst" used on Daihatsu vehicles is an innovative technology. We have given a self-regenerating function to palladium (Pb), a precious metal used in automotive catalysts, to prevent its exhaust gas cleansing function from deteriorating over time. Our research results were introduced in England's most authoritative science magazine, Nature (11th July, 2002 issue). We have also received many awards for this achievement. At the present, the intelligent catalyst is being used in several of Daihatsu's production models.
- Prompt Catalyst Activation System
Daihatsu not only improved the exhaust gas purifying performance during driving but also addressed the exhaust gas purifying performance immediately after engine startup, and successfully commercialized the world's first "prompt catalyst activation system," which detects ions and controls combustion. Daihatsu began incorporating this system in production vehicles for the Japanese market.
Daihatsu decided to increase the exhaust gas temperature in order to quickly bring the catalyzing performance to maximum level. An effective way to attain rapid heating of the exhaust gas temperature is to retard the ignition timing, but excessive retardation can cause poor combustion or misfires, thus reducing the engine performance. To solve this problem, Daihatsu focused on the principle governing electrical current flow of the ions generated in the cylinders during combustion.
- KF-VE Engine
Daihatsu has always had a strong connection with engines. Its precursor was Hatsudoki Seizo Co., Ltd., an engine manufacturer founded in 1907. Its aim was to establish the technology to domestically produce and widely distribute internal combustion engines. In December of the same year, the company completed its first product, a 6-hp gas engine. After that, the manufacturer developed advanced engines one after another. In 1930, it developed an air-cooled 4-cycle 500cc gasoline engine, which won wide recognition. Since then, Daihatsu has pursued and developed the engines that fulfill the needs of the times.
In 2005, Daihatsu upgraded its EB/EF-type engine, originally developed in 1985, for the first time in 20 years, to put all our strength into developing an engine for Daihatsu’s minivehicles, a major player in the next generation. This led to the creation of the KF, a new 3-cylinder 660cc engine designed specifically for minivehicles that enables zippy maneuvering and has the latest environmental functions.
- Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. It’s a non-stage transmission, using pulleys instead of gears, that enables constant smooth speed changes
By changing the diameters of the pulleys, transmission changes occur in a continuous manner.
Belt-type CVTs are now most popular. In this system, two variable-diameter pulleys and a belt passing through them enable continuous changes of speed.
Since the CVT can constantly maintain the transmission ratio that best suits driving conditions, power loss is small, meaning low fuel consumption. It also makes possible smooth cruising and acceleration.
CVT is the ideal transmission system in this age, for its eco-friendliness realized by improved fuel efficiency that helps to cut CO2 emissions, as well as for its superb cruising performance.
CVT is the ideal transmission system in this age, for its eco-friendliness realized by improved fuel efficiency that helps to cut CO2 emissions, as well as for its superb cruising performance.
Long leading the world in small car manufacturing, Daihatsu has pursued CVTs that best suit minivehicles. Our goal is to further enhance environmental functions of minivehicles, which are already eco-friendly due to their fuel-efficient, low-emission, and resource-saving characteristics, and to add vigor and a comfortable driving performance. The idea took form when we developed our next-generation CVT, the world’s first Input Reduction 3-shaft Gear Train unit.
With its high fuel efficiency, smooth acceleration, and light and compact character, the new CVT will expand the possibilities of minivehicles..
- Hybirid Vehicles
The word "hybrid" means "composite, mixed." It also refers to a concept that aims to create something new by combining two or more different things to compensate for drawbacks and maximize advantages. A hybrid vehicle is combines different power sources: a petroleum-powered engine and an electric motor. It uses the most appropriate power source according to driving conditions in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. It is a clean, environmentally friendly vehicle that does not require a new infrastructure for battery charging or the supply of any new type of fuel.
Having addressed the commercialization of electric vehicles since a very early time, Daihatsu applied its accumulated technologies to the development of hybrid vehicles. In 1970, Daihatsu developed the Fellow Hybrid. In 1979, the company marketed the Delta HV truck for the first time in Japan. At the Tokyo Motor Show held in 2001, Daihatsu displayed two hybrid vehicles, the UFE and the Atrai Hybrid-IV.
- Fuel Cell Vehicles
When water is electrolyzed, it splits into hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel-cell vehicles are electric vehicles that use the process opposite to this to obtain electricity from hydrogen and oxygen in the air for operating their motors. Fuel-cell vehicles do not discharge any harmful substances. They produce only water from the process of generating electricity. Therefore, they do not contaminate the air. Since they use electric motors, they also produce minimal vibration and noise. Fuel-cell vehicles are very gentle on the environment
The Move FCV-K-2 is the first four-occupant fuel-cell mini vehicle to use hydrogen stored in the high-pressure tank as fuel. It features a hybrid system that combines the Toyota FC Stack high-performance fuel cell with secondary batteries for efficient fuel cell use. In addition, the energy generated by applying the brake is used to charge the secondary batteries, thus achieving high-efficiency operation of the entire system. The combination of motor and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) also offers superb driving performance
- CNG Vehicles
As great efforts are being made to improve the environment and promote alternative energy sources to petroleum, particularly in large cities, natural-gas vehicles are attracting widespread attention. Since these vehicles use compressed natural gas (CNG*) as fuel, they are called CNG vehicles. A CNG vehicle is mounted with a cylinder containing compressed natural gas. As this gas passes through the pipe, it decompresses and mixes with air before reaching the engine
The amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which is the main cause of global warming, discharged from a CNG vehicle is 20 to 30% less than that discharged from a petroleum-engine vehicle. By using CNG vehicles, other substances that cause black smoke and air pollution, such as NOx (nitrogen oxides) and CO (carbon monoxide), can also be significantly reduced.
Daihatsu introduced the Hijet Van CNG commercial mini vehicle to the market in 1994. Today, we offer two types of CNG vehicles: the Mira Van CNG and Hijet Cargo CNG.
For CNG vehicles to gain higher popularity, further improvement of vehicle performance and reduction of costs are required. In addition, it is necessary to establish facilities for supplying natural gas to the vehicles. Daihatsu constructed a CNG station in front of Daihatsu head office building and are managing the station directly to serve customers
Number of Daihatsu CNG vehicles sold
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