Mitsubishi Announces US Fleet Testing of i-MiEV at New York Show

During the presentation of the i MiEV electric vehicle at the New York Auto Show, Mitsubishi’s Managing Director in charge of Product Development Group Headquarters, Tetsuro Aikawa revealed that the Japanese company plans to use the i-MiEV in a joint fleet testing program in cooperation with select U.S. power companies in the fall of this year. The i MiEV is a 100% electric vehicle that is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery system located under the floor deck that is linked to a 47-kW permanent-magnet electric motor, promising up to 80 miles of driving on a single charge.

Mitsubishi To Launch Electric Version Of “i” In The UK

Mitsubishi is planning to sell an electric version of its “i” minicar in the UK as early as 2011. Mitsubishi UK managing director Jim Tyrell says: "There's a market for electric vehicles in urban areas if they perform like a regular vehicle, as this one does”.

The Japanese carmaker has already started testing prototypes of the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) concept that utilizes a 47 kW motor. Depending on the battery pack used, the prototype features a driving range of between 81 and 99 miles (130 – 159 km) between charges, with an 81 mph or 130 km/h top speed. -Continued

The first batch of 300 gasoline powered “i” minicars were launched in the UK this summer and all of them were sold out in less than three weeks. More than 1,500 units of the four-seater minicar with the rear-mounted engine are planned for sale in 2008, with more available if sales continue to be strong.

More Mitsubishi “i” City Cars Coming To The UK

Despite the spicy pricing which starts at 8.999 GBP ($18,430 or €12,500), Mitsubishi managed to sell the first batch of 300 i-city cars in 2½ weeks – with 50% of second batch already sold before the vehicles even hit UK soil. More than 1,500 units of the four-seater mini car with the rear-mounted engine are already planned for sale in 2008, with more available if sales continue to be strong.

According to a research conducted by Mitsubishi UK, 83% of the i’s buyers were not previously Mitsubishi owners. They also surveyed the key factors influencing the purchase decision. The vehicle’s compact size was the most important factor, with price and high specification coming second. The car’s environmental credentials and styling were also rated in the top 5 reasons.