Autoblog Green

Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, PSA, Citroen

Citroen C-Zero - click above for high res image gallery

Last summer, French automaker PSA and Mitsubishi announced that the two companies would partner on electric vehicle development for the European market. Prior to the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot announced that it would market a version of the Mitsubishi iMiEV as the iOn and now sister brand Citroën has announced its own version of the car. Following its usual naming convention and the emissions free nature of the car, the Citroën is badged as the C-Zero.

The C-Zero will become the second battery-powered vehicle in the Citroën lineup in the fourth quarter of 2010 along with the Berlingo van. The C-Zero will be eligible for a €5,000 tax break in France. Like the iMiEV, the C-Zero takes 6 hours to charge its battery from a 220V European outlet. A special 400V / 125A charger can provide 80 percent replenishment in 30 minutes. Citroën is quoting a range of 80 miles on a full charge.

Gallery: Citroen C-Zero

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero

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Mitsubishi iMiEV wins Japan Automotive Hall of Fame's "Car Technology of the Year" Award

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Japan

Mitsubishi was one of the first and most aggressive of the major automakers to jump back into the battery electric vehicle fray in recent years. The Japan Automotive Hall of Fame has honored the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and in particular its MiEV OS control system as Car Technology of the Year. For a modern electric vehicle, the electronic control system is of critical importance to ensure that the battery operates reliably, safely and maximizes range.

The control system incorporates the battery management system, the energy system and the occupant comfort system. The energy system includes the regenerative braking and power saving systems. The occupant comfort manages vehicle acceleration and braking to achieve smooth acceleration and the climate control in order to minimize energy use. All of these subsystems work together to extract the most out smallest possible battery pack.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi iMiEV wins Japan Automotive Hall of Fame's "Car Technology of the Year" Award

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Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Mitsubishi, Geneva Motor Show

Already getting ready for next spring's Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi has release a sketch of the all-new Compact Crossover that will be introduced soon in time to go on sale in Japan in February. While details are scarce, Mitsubishi says that the all-new on-road Compact Crossover will follow the i-MiEV and be "the Corporation's next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature." From previous reports, this should mean a 1.8 liter clean turbodiesel engine with diesel particulate filter will power the production version.

We await further details, but it sounds like this evolution of the Concept-cX from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show makes good on the company's promise to move Mitsubishi's line-up in the eco direction. Mitsubishi says it wants to get away from the SUV-centered focus that its had in the recent past and into being knows as "a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers." Guess they can get in line.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover

Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi to work with Netherlands government on EV promotion

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Legislation and Policy

Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi Motors, paid a visit to the Netherlands this week to meet with prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende on the subject of electric vehicles. Mitsubishi recently delivered a production iMiEV to the Dutch embassy in Japan for use there. The Dutch government launched a tax incentive program to promote EV field tests last June and wants to expand the program beyond just fleets.

Mitsubishi will be working with the Dutch just as it is in numerous other countries (including Monaco, Iceland and Hong Kong) to expand availability of both plug-in vehicles and build out a network of public charge points to facilitate the use of EVs. Mitsubishi is now offering the iMiEV for sale in Japan and showed a small cargo box version of the car last week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi to work with Netherlands government on EV promotion

Mitsubishi to work with Netherlands government on EV promotion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has put its plug-in hybrid Concept PX-MiEV crossover concept on a pedestal here at the Tokyo Motor Show, touting the CUV's "environmental and on-road performance," as well as its serial and parallel modes and wireless charging capabilities.

The crossover's design language represents another refinement for Mitsubishi, and although it's markedly less provocative than the newly re-shnozzed 2010 Outlander, it presents a pleasing collection of shapes and could point the way for a future iteration of the softroader. Inside is typical concept car fare for "linking man and car interactively" - which means it's far too cool for us to actually get on the road - but hey, where else are you going to find a cocochi interior with a yoke-style steering wheel?

The real story here is arguably the drivetrain, where Mitsu has combined a 1.6-liter gas engine and a hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries.

In any case, you can check out the PR info after the jump, and visuals in the gallery of high-res images below.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mitsubishi considering plug-in powertrain for next Evolution?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, which will get its official debut this week at the Tokyo Motor Show, may be a harbinger of exciting things to come if there's any truth at all to a report from Autocar indicating that the concept's unique hybrid powertrain may see production in the next-generation Evolution XI.

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of evidence that this may be the case, other than the fact that the concept vehicle uses a similar all-wheel drive system as the current Evolution X. In any case, the PX-MiEV features an electric motor powering the rear wheels along with a hybridized engine and motor combination up front that can either power the front wheels or recharge the battery pack.

Plus, there's the obligatory plug that will allow the car to be charged off the grid, and a full battery pack would result in a 30-mile EV range. We're not so sure that this is the direction the Japanese automaker will take for its next performance halo car, but we'd certainly be interested to see the technology in action.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mitsubishi considering plug-in powertrain for next Evolution? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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i MiEV joins the CarPool, speeds excessively

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, UK

Mitsubishi i MiEV on CarPool - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've seen the Mitsubishi i MiEV in action before and have even rolled about New York in it ourselves. However, we've never really seen it taken out onto a highway and driven like a regular car. The latest episode of CarPool changes that. In this edition of the super cool web series, Robert Llewellyn (he of Red Dwarf and Scrapheap Challenge fame) is joined by Catherine Perrin of Mitsubishi for a chat about the car whilst the actor pilots it across town for a little photo shoot.

While regular ABG readers may not learn anything substantially new about the Japanese jellybean, the segment wonderfully illustrates the positives about driving electric. Llewellyn isn't shy about putting his foot into it and, once safely out of the garage and onto the motorway, quickly brings the i MiEV up to the legal limit. And then beyond. Interestingly, though the specs on this car say it has a top speed of 80 mph, the actor soon discovers it can actually slightly surpass that mark. Indeed, his co-pilot informs him its "top whack" is 87 mph. Maybe we'll have the chance to try that out for ourselves (on a track, of course) when the ~~right~~ left hand drive version comes to America. Hit the jump for an entertaining ride in the CarPool.

[Source: Llewtube via Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading i MiEV joins the CarPool, speeds excessively

i MiEV joins the CarPool, speeds excessively originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guilty as charged: UK police get iMiEV for urban policing

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Green Daily

UK Police Mitsubishi iMiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Starting next month, there will be some Mitsubishi i MiEVs in the UK that look a little different than the standard i MiEVs that are being tested on the roads there. The first law enforcement i MiEVs will arrive in the UK in November and will start serving daily duties in December. The West Midlands Police will be the first force to use the i MiEV and there might be some envious competing departments who wish they could get the all-electric city cars right away; Mitsubishi says that the EV was "an instant show stopper" at the National Police Show in September. With a top speed of over 80 mph and can go about 100 miles per charge, so don't expect i MiEV to be involved in any long-distance chases any time soon. Instead, this is an urban police vehicle and is well-suited for the task.

Gallery: UK Police Mitsubishi iMiEV

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Guilty as charged: UK police get iMiEV for urban policing

Guilty as charged: UK police get iMiEV for urban policing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept ready to move your eco-friendly goods

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Motor Show

2009 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Alongside its production i-MiEV people-mover, Mitsubishi will be showing another baker's dozen of new vehicles in its display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show next month. On display will be several production cars as well as two brand new concepts based on the i-MiEV powertrain, including the i-MiEV Cargo seen here.

Looking something like a larger, more modern Nissan S-Cargo, it's a smaller option for folks who might not need something as big as a Ford Transit Connect. Whether for small business duty or family recreation, the Cargo adds a big box of usefulness to the basic MiEV platform. And yet it's very funky, like a Citröen C15 for Mars. It's cute and functional and we can't see any good reason why Mitsu shouldn't build it. There's a rather short presser after the jump and a gallery of high-res pics for you to peruse below as well.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept ready to move your eco-friendly goods

Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept ready to move your eco-friendly goods originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi is previewing its next-generation CUV in the Land of the Rising Sun next month, and like nearly every other concept bound for the Tokyo Motor Show, the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV is packing a number of hybrid technologies to maximize fuel efficiency, decrease emissions and keep performance on par. Plus, the PX-MiEV comes with an added helping of "cocochi" - Japanese for "cozy."

PX is Mitsubishi shorthand for "plug-in hybrid crossover," so a 1.6-liter inline-four powers the front wheels, along with a generator, and a new plug-in system allows users to tap into the grid with either a 100 or 200-volt outlet. The PX-MiEV boasts an EV mode with a 30-mile range which can toggle between front- and all-wheel drive, a series hybrid mode when the juice dries up and a parallel hybrid system when under full load. Mitsu's E-4WD system shuffles power to the rear wheels when needed, using the same S-AWC and E-AYC systems as the Evolution X. The PX-MiEV can send torque left-to-right depending on the conditions, and a new center differential motor (unlike the mutli-plate clutch setup on the Evo) actively tweaks torque output to the rear wheels to increase grip.

Inside, the PX-MiEV sports a spartan interior with a number of technologies to keep occupants happy and healthy, including heat reflective glass and paint, along with individual air conditioners. Active safety systems - ranging from a "Multi-Around Monitor" to a front-facing camera that detects fatigue, then alerts the driver through a series of visual, audio and "vibrational" warnings - are sure to find their way into future Mitsubishi models. All the details are yours for the taking the in press release below the fold.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi

Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: iMiEV pre-orders reach 900 during the first month

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi iMiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

As Tesla Motors is aware, pre-orders for electric cars don't automatically equal sales, but that doesn't mean Mitsubishi shouldn't be excited about a reported 900 pre-orders for the iMiEV all-electric city car. The car is currently available to fleets and government customers in Japan; about 2,000 were scheduled for production this year, but Autohop says that 1,400 will now be made and all of them are spoken for. Consumer sales for the car next April, and Mitsubishi has said around 5,000 will be made next year. If the 900 number is correct, then almost a fifth of that allotment might already have a home. Autohop says that 387 iMiEVs have been delivered to date. Thanks for Yanquetino the tip!

Gallery: Mitsubishi iMiEV production model

[Source: Autohop]

REPORT: iMiEV pre-orders reach 900 during the first month originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën gets Mitsubishi i MiEV variant, Euro sales begin 2010

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Citroen, Europe/EU

The Peugeot lion won't be the only badge burnishing the snouts of re-branded Mitsubishi i MiEVs buzzing around the streets of European cities a little more than a year from now. It's been decided that the twin chrome chevrons of Citroën are as worthy as its sister emblem to adorn a Francified variant of the Japanese automaker's global version of the i MiEV. In Paris, over what we imagine was green tea and croissants, Osamu Masuko of MiMoCo and his CEO equivalent at PSA Peugeot Citroën, Philippe Varin, signed further agreements and worked out some of the details of their sharing arrangement.

Production is said to begin in October of 2010 with examples appearing in showrooms sometime before Christmas. The move gives Citroën a low emissions model ahead of its planned 2011 DS5 HYbrid4 and will give consumers yet another electric choice in the Euro marketspace. Brief press release after the break.

[Source: Mitsubishi Motor Company]

Continue reading Citroën gets Mitsubishi i MiEV variant, Euro sales begin 2010

Citroën gets Mitsubishi i MiEV variant, Euro sales begin 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Q&A: What happens if the Chevy Volt sleeps with the fishes?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Mitsubishi, Green Daily

Chevy Volt water testing - Click above to watch the video after the break

Ever wonder what will happen if an electric vehicle is submerged under water? It seems to be a valid concern, what with all those amps seemingly ready to discharge at a moments notice into the ocean blue. Worry not, electric car fans, automakers like General Motors have got your backs.

Our friends at GM-Volt.com sat down with Lance Turner, who currently acts as lead engineer in the Volt battery lab after previously working on the EV1 project, and he did his best to lay those watery fears to rest. According to Turner, the Volt's battery pack will be sealed up tight with special attention paid to the high voltage lines between the battery pack and the inverter.

Apparently, The General has been down this road before with the EV1. An entire electric car was placed inside a container and seawater was slowly added. When the water reached the battery, a series of protective measures shut the car down and sensors placed on dummy occupants proved that no harm had been done.

Just for fun, click past the break for a video of a Volt IVER prototype being water tested for leaks. You'll also see an image of a Mitsubishi iMiEV being tested in the water for safety, proving GM's not the only automaker testing its EVs in this manner.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading Q&A: What happens if the Chevy Volt sleeps with the fishes?

Q&A: What happens if the Chevy Volt sleeps with the fishes? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitusbishi "plugging" the iMiEV at Frankfurt airport

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi

Now that Mitsubishi is actually building (albeit very slowly, for now) production examples of the electric iMiEV, it is starting to distribute them. The latest deployment is at the Frankfurt Airport in Germany. There are currently about 3,000 vehicles of various types being operated in and around the airport. By 2015, the owner of the facility wants 20 percent of the fleet to be battery powered. By the end of the next decade, over 60 percent of the airport vehicles are planned to be electrified. For now, there are two iMiEVs on site. Applications like airport operations are well suited to these early electric vehicles since they rarely go very far afield. Combined with relatively low operating speeds, the range limitations of cars like the iMiEV (an optimistic 100 miles on the Japanese 10/15 urban drive cycle) should be less of a problem. Implementing charging points at the various terminals will be less of a problem as well.

Gallery: i MiEV

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitusbishi "plugging" the iMiEV at Frankfurt airport

Mitusbishi "plugging" the iMiEV at Frankfurt airport originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands on: Japan to get standard charging stations

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Legislation and Policy, Japan

One of the things that can prevent widespread adoption of electric cars is not having a standard charging system. Just ask Betamax or HD DVD how the lack of a standard can hurt.

European EV fans can breathe easy because the authorities have reached an agreement on a model created by a company named Mennekes, which includes communication interfaces to regulate the charge. In the U.S., the J1772 connector will be the new standard for plug-in vehicles. Stlll, despite the large amount of EV projects being undertaken by Japanese companies, it has taken until now for utility Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) to actually begin developing a standard with those manufacturers. Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) and Tepco have announced a commission to create standard charging station for the new array of EVs that will run on Japanese roads in the coming years.

Gallery: Mitsubishi iMiEV production model

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Hands on: Japan to get standard charging stations originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mitsubishi to build extended-range EVs, too

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 08:46:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi

2007 Mitsubishi cX concept - click above for a high-res image gallery

When General Motors introduced the Volt concept two years ago, nobody seriously expected the Detroit automaker to be the only one to go down the extended range electric vehicle path. In fact, at that same auto show, Ford showed its own AirStream concept using the same idea. Now, it looks like one of the biggest proponents of battery electric vehicles is going down the range extender path: It's being reported that Mitsubishi will not be content to simply offer plug-in only cars like the iMiEV.

The report says Mitsubishi's range extended EV could be based on the cX concept that appeared at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. That concept was powered by a clean diesel engine. An ER-EV version would use a battery pack with sufficient capacity for 40 miles of electric driving with a small gasoline engine to provide a charge sustaining mode after that. The Mitsubishi ER-EV is expected to hit the streets at the end of 2010, just about the same time as the Volt.

[Source: Register Hardware]

Report: Mitsubishi to build extended-range EVs, too originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Energy company Fortum, Mitsubishi to promote EVs in Scandinavia

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is partnering with energy company Fortum to promote the use of electric vehicles in Sweden and Finland by showing off the new iMiEV in those countries. Fortum generates and distributes electricity and heat in Scandinavia and the Baltic region. As an electricity provider, Fortum is obviously interested in promoting any devices that consume its product and is making plans to build a charging network in the region to facilitate the use of EVs.

In the Northern areas of of Sweden and Finland, a preliminary network may already be in place thanks to the block heaters people plug in on their cars during the long cold winters. Unlike northern Canada, where 110V AC is the norm, Europe uses 220V, dramatically speeding the charging process. Fortum has been showing off the iMiEV at public events in Finland recently before some field test cars arrive this fall. Thanks to Antti for the tip!

Gallery: i MiEV

[Source: Fortum]

Continue reading Energy company Fortum, Mitsubishi to promote EVs in Scandinavia

Energy company Fortum, Mitsubishi to promote EVs in Scandinavia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: future Mistubishi iMiEVs could include optional range distances

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Motor Show

Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Plans for Mitsubishi's iMiEV - deliveries start in Japan this month - continue to evolve. Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko has said that upcoming editions of the electric jellybean (OK, he didn't call it that) could have a range of about 200 km (124 miles). That's the new target distance for Mitsubishi's future range of EVs, and is higher than the 100-mile range for the i MiEV that we've heard about for a while. Masuko said Mitsubishi is also considering offering EVs with a variety of ranges depending on how much a customer is willing to spend. More yen = more miles.

Another tidbit revealed in the article in Business Week: Masuko has been chauffered in a i MiEV for the past 18 months. As we heard last month, a plug-in hybrid version of the i MiEV will go on sale in 2013. Thanks to Yanquetino for the tip!

Gallery: i MiEV

[Source: Business Week]

REPORT: future Mistubishi iMiEVs could include optional range distances originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Should Mitsubishi and Suzuki say sayonara to America?

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mitsubishi, Suzuki, USA

Considering their diminutive and dwindling degree of market share in the U.S., should Suzuki and Mitsubishi say sayonara to America and concentrate their efforts elsewhere? That's what some industry analysts are recommending. Says Yuuki Sakurai of Fukoku Capital Management,

"It's time for them to decide whether they pay a high price to continue business there or stop the bleeding,"

His fellow auto analyst over at Okasan Securities, Yasuaki Iwamoto, agrees and says they should just forget about America and that Suzuki, in particular, should devote its resources to the small cars that have had good success in other markets. So, are they listening?

It appears not. Suzuki, for their part, will likely release the mid-size Kazashi next year and continue their collaboration on green tech with GM. They would also seem to be betting that, as the price of gas rises, Americans may be willing to spend more time and money in their showrooms. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi's president Osamu Masuko is confident that the American market will rebound and has made his company's intentions clear stating, "We will never give up the U.S. market," It would seem they are pinning a lot of their U.S. hopes on the global version of the all-electric i MiEV since that is the only new model on the horizon. That could prove to be problematic since it remains to be seen how popular a tiny "kei-class" car like the iMiEV will be in the US market and profitability and prices of EVs will be extremely challenging.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype

[Source: Bloomberg via Autoblog]

Should Mitsubishi and Suzuki say sayonara to America? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: PSA says it's not working with Mitsubishi on plug-in hybrids

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, PSA, Peugeot

Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

PSA, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroën, this morning denied a report that came out in the Japanese Nikkei business newspaper about a new tie-up with Mitsubishi. The paper had reported that PSA and Mitsubishi would be collaborating on plug-in hybrid vehicles. The two automakers are working together on battery EVs with Mitsubishi supplying a version of its iMiEV to the French company, along with lithium ion batteries for other applications.

However, PSA says that it is developing its own plug-in hybrid technology. This is likely to be based on its Hybrid4 through the road hybrid system that debuted last fall at the Paris Motor Show. This system uses a conventional gas or diesel powertrain driving one axle with an electric motor driving the other. It is mechanically simpler than a power split hybrid and easier to implement. Mitsubishi is also working on its own plug-in hybrid system targeted for a 2013 release.

Gallery: i MiEV

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: PSA says it's not working with Mitsubishi on plug-in hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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