Mitsubishi elects for more electrics in line up
2010 Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery
On the heels of the Mitsubishi i MiEV's embarkation on mass manufacture, comes word that the Japanese company has solid plans for more battery-powered models. Although an article in the Nikkei points to five newcomers, their definition of "new" and "electric vehicle" (EV) are somewhat, shall we say, generous. Included amongst their number is counted the slightly larger, right-hand-drive global version of the i MiEV as well as the Peugeot-badged version of that derivative. The other dubious addition is that of a plug-in hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) which is likely to be electric at least part of the time, depending on whether it is a parallel (like the Prius) or a series hybrid.
For those who like a sporty two-door ride, another claimed model-to-be is the i Miev Sport Air, the concept version of which we most recently saw updated at the Geneva Motor Show. It sounds and looks great, although no time frame has been given for its introduction. The future line-up is not all about passenger vehicles and so a commercial transport-type EV based on the i MiEV should launch in fiscal 2010. The one unknown all-electric is reportedly planned for fiscal 2011 and may a harbinger of larger models to come. Although said to be based on "full-sized cars," its 1 liter designation will keep it firmly in the compact category. The plan, if successfully executed, should help Mitsubishi reach their announced goal of having 20 percent of their production volume comprised of EVs by 2020.
Gallery: Mitsubishi iMiEV production model
Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air Concept
Gallery: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype
[Source: Green Car Congress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
guyledouche 1:00PM (6/11/2009)
Truly excellent news. I could not be happier for Mitsu or the world as a whole right now.
The revolution has begun.
I cannot wait until the rest of the big boys start following suit. Toyota should be able to really take this tech a step further than everyone, just like they did with the famed Rav-4 EV.
I am like a kid in a candy shop right now.
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Rick 1:45PM (6/11/2009)
They need to re-think the "is it coming or going" air car design. It's just so odd.
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kert 1:52PM (6/11/2009)
North America isnt the whole world, and us here in europe are quite used to design like that and actually in some regions rather prefer these tiny designs. Having driven around this year in Italy, Greece and Spain, i say the smaller you can make a car that fits four people the better.
For maneuvering and finding parking places, size matters.
Just look at european award-winning and best-selling cars like Hyunday Getz, Nissan Micra, Fiat Panda etc.
guyledouche 2:15PM (6/11/2009)
Kert,
While I agree with your comment to some extent, I still have to also agree with Ricks sentiment. I have spent a ton of time in France, Spain, GB, Netherlands, etc, and I understand and agree with the Euro value of small efficient vehicle design, but seriously, you really cant tell what direction that "Sport Air" vehicle is supposed to travel unless you look at the color of the lights. The iMiEV on the other hand, is much more acceptable, even in an Americans eye, due to its more "traditional" design. I hate to call it traditional, because it is anything but, but at least you can tell which end the front is.
On another note, I cant wait to start seeing some electric trucks form these manufacturers!
GoodCheer 4:25PM (6/11/2009)
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I like the look. I think it looks aerodynamically efficient and intriguing.
Rick 2:27PM (6/12/2009)
@kert- I think you misunderstand my point. It's not the size (as all the cars you listed are fine) it's the design, the look, the balance, the shape. It's odd. It's symmetrical. For a car, that through history has a defined and obvious front end and rear end, a symmetrical design is confusing, and in this case not a successful design decision IMO.
polo 11:26PM (6/11/2009)
Can't wait to see what the production Sport Air looks like...and what Toyota and Honda do in response.
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