Mitsubishi goes all-electric with i MiEV plug-in car

Mitsubishi, like other major car manufacturers, are busy planning for a future with hybrid and electric cars. In 2009, Mitsubishi will sell its all electric car the iMieV. The i MiEV can be charged from a standard domestic power outlet. The company plans to sell 1000 i MiEVs in 2009.

Photo: Mitsubishi i MiEV all electric car

Mitsubishi ahs also said that by 2013, they would be offering plug-in hybrid cars. Plug in hybrid cars, unlike all-electrics, have a gasoline engine as well as electric motor — and the gasoline engine charges the electric motor, and driving duties are shared between the two engines as the road and driving styles demand.

The G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit will see Mitsubishi Motor offering as many as 10 i MiEV electric vehicles for official use. An auto industry report said that the electric vehicles will be used as transport for visiting world leaders and members of the media between the summit venue and hotels. The vehicles are also expected to be part of the on-site display and test drive offerings at the summit venue, it has been pointed out. The i MiEV is based on the ” i ” mini car, and utilizes a large-capacity lithium-ion battery and a compact, high-output electric motor in place of the traditional powertrain.

Aimed at showcasing its concern for the environment, Mitsubishi Motor’s latest move is already being appreciated. The company hopes that by doing this the delegates at G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit will find a new appreciation for the superior practicality and environmental viability of electric vehicles.

The company has a well charted out plan to enable reduction of global warming and dependence on fossil fuels. The car maker is now in the process of conducting fleet tests in cooperation with several domestic electric power companies, in order to make electric vehicles a common sight on Japan’s roads as soon as possible. Mitsubishi, beset as it was by problems in the last few years, are a bit late to the hybrid car party though.

The tests have been continuing and it is expected that the company has gathered data about the effects of local climate and driving preferences. The car maker will get to follow these results and make meaningful progress toward bringing the i MiEV to market.