Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype

Debuting at the 79th Geneva Motor Show alongside the Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air concept was an i MiEV prototype that may have been the most relevant electric car of the show. Although quite similar to the i MiEV design we've been showing you for the past couple years, this is the global version of the Japanese automaker's electric car. As expected, it has a wider stance than the original and the front and rear overhangs have been extended and should offer more protection for passengers as well as any errant (heaven forbid) pedestrians. Also, the steering wheel is on the side you would expect to find it in most parts of the planet, the left.
The company calls this i MiEV iteration the precursor to the car that will go on sale in Europe next year where it will carry the Mitsubishi badge as well as that of Peugeot. Although a timetable for American sales hasn't yet been announced, we expect that it will happen eventually and something very close to this slightly enlarged prototype will one day be available here. Hit the jump for the official Geneva unveiling of the i MiEVs and as well as a bonus video of the global version posing for the camera in a studio and its designer giving some of his thoughts (in Japanese).
Gallery: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype
[Source: Mitsubishi / YouTube]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike!!ekiM 7:01PM (3/05/2009)
- This looks more and more like a great idea.
- This Electric car PASSES all World Wide Emissions Standards!, as No Emissions Tests are required! That should result in some cost savings.
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Mike!!ekiM 7:15PM (3/05/2009)
Interesting LEED light(?) effects. The first car to smile at you in the dark?
This is a good first generation effort. And the SPORT version does seem to have a future. But, battery improvements will really make ELECTRIC sports cars take over the market. Where are the Nano-Batteries, and the Ultra-Capacitors? These have the potential to bury the gas sports car.
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NeilBlanchard 9:38PM (3/05/2009)
Hiya,
This is a much better design, IMO, than the other Mitsubishi on the front page. It certainly could be the first EV from a large company to make it to production?
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Sasparilla 12:42PM (3/06/2009)
Mitsubishi bring this to the US, we want it....and give us the updated specs for the updated version that will be rolled out to Europe.
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marz 1:47PM (3/06/2009)
HURRY UP ALREADY!! ;)
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Rick 4:33PM (3/06/2009)
Would the 10 small LEDs be bright enough to serve as main headlights?
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Rick 4:36PM (3/06/2009)
Or would that bumper light section and other small lights help out with lighting the road?
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Yanquetino 9:01PM (3/06/2009)
Ready to put down my deposit! Where can I sign the waiting list?
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