Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[LA 2009: Mitsubishi <i>will</i> bring an EV to U.S. in 2011, but it might not be the i-MiEV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mitsubishi-will-bring-an-ev-to-u-s-in-2011-but/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mitsubishi-will-bring-an-ev-to-u-s-in-2011-but/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mitsubishi-will-bring-an-ev-to-u-s-in-2011-but/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

Here's a line from Mitsubishi's press release dated April 9, 2009:
Ending months of heightening speculation, Mitsubishi Motors North America President and CEO Shinichi Kurihara confirmed the i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) is being developed for sale in world markets, including the United States.
Reading that, doesn't it seem that Mitsubishi is saying that the i-MiEV will be for sale in the U.S. someday? That's what we thought. Turns out, that's not exactly what Mitsubishi confirmed eight months ago, according to David Patterson, Mitsubishi R&D of America's chief engineer of mobile emissions, regulatory affairs and certification. When we took a spin in an i-MiEV with Patterson today, he said that he wishes Mitsubishi would confirm that the i-MiEV would someday go on sale in the U.S., and he's been pushing the company to just say it already. "What we announced in New York was that we would bring an electric vehicle to the United States. That's the announcement that I was able to convince them to make," he said.

Granted, in his speech yesterday, Masuko simply said that an electric vehicle would come to the U.S., and didn't say which model it would be."I think President [Osamu] Masuko wanted to make that [i-MiEV] announcement yesterday," Patterson said, but he believes that the company hasn't decided which electric vehicle they will sell here. At the very least, Patterson is confident that whatever vehicle we get, it'll be cool. "Trust me, it gets better than this [the i-MiEV]," he said.

Gallery: LA 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Our travel and lodging for this media event were paid for by the Auto Alliance.

LA 2009: Mitsubishi will bring an EV to U.S. in 2011, but it might not be the i-MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i-mievi-miev north americai-miev usI-mievNorthAmericaI-mievUsimievMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMievThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: Mitsubishi unveils Geek Squad i-MiEV, brings PX-MiEV to U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mitsubishi-unveils-geek-squad-i-miev-brings-px-miev-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mitsubishi-unveils-geek-squad-i-miev-brings-px-miev-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mitsubishi-unveils-geek-squad-i-miev-brings-px-miev-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mitsubishi's Geek Squad i-MiEV (with PX-MiEV in foreground) - click above for high-res image gallery

While Mitsubishi didn't unveil any new vehicles at the LA Auto Show today, company president Osamu Masuko did announce the latest step in MMC's plan to bring plug-in vehicles to North America. The vehicle - well, one of them - is an all-electric i-MiEV plastered with Best Buy's Geek Squad logo. The electronics giant will start using them in January (after they're shown off at CES) at some Geek Squad locations in California. Details have not yet been totally worked out, but the Geek EVs will start with a fleet of four vehicles and will then expand and rotate to other stores over the course of three years. Most likely, the i-MiEVs will be doled out in pairs and the probable early cities where these vehicles will make house calls include Chicago, New York, Portland, and San Francisco.

Best Buy plans to use the i-MiEVs just like any other fleet car, with the exception that they will be right-hand drive. Best Buy's Senior Vice President of emerging business, Rick Rommel, told AutoblogGreen that the idea is to learn, "How these will fit into a Geek's daily life." The plug-in vehicle tests with Geek Squad is unrelated to how select West Coast Best Buy stores are selling electric bikes. That said, Rommel admits that the key thing is that Best Buy likes to conduct new experiments, and these EVs fit into that general concept.

Also making the stand in LA is the PX-MiEV, Mitsubishi's plug-in hybrid that was unveiled in Tokyo. Like what you see? A version of this model will likely be available in the U.S. in 2013. While you're waiting, you can check out our high-res galleries below and Mitsu president Masuko's speech after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV for Geek Squad


Gallery: LA 2009: Mitsubishi PX-MiEV


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: Mitsubishi unveils Geek Squad i-MiEV, brings PX-MiEV to U.S.

LA 2009: Mitsubishi unveils Geek Squad i-MiEV, brings PX-MiEV to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buybest buy electric vehiclesbest buy evsBest Buy Inc.Best Buy StoresBestBuyBestBuyElectricVehiclesBestBuyEvsBestBuyInc.BestBuyStoresbreakingi-mievmievosamu masukoOsamuMasukoPX-MiEVrick rommelRickRommelWed, 02 Dec 2009 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Monaco gets four Mitsubishi i-MiEVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/monaco-gets-four-mitsubishi-i-mievs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/monaco-gets-four-mitsubishi-i-mievs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/monaco-gets-four-mitsubishi-i-mievs/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Principality of Monaco is best known for Formula One cars screaming through the streets every spring and a harbor full of mega-dollar yachts filled with the beautiful people. When those people head ashore, there's a good chance they will be motoring in something very fast and very expensive. This week, however, instead of high-powered race cars, the area around the Prince's palace was silent as four new cars were delivered by Mitsubishi. Prince Albert II was on hand as officials from the automaker turned over the battery-powered i-MiEVs for a test program. The i-MiEVs will be used by the local post office, electric utility, parking services and the Prince Albert II foundation. The goal is to promote low emissions transportation on the sunny Riviera.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Monaco gets four Mitsubishi i-MiEVs

Monaco gets four Mitsubishi i-MiEVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mitsubishiMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMievmonacomonaco i-mievmonaco imievMonacoI-mievMonacoImievMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero-emission sowing: farming goes better than carbon neutral in OZ [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/zero-emission-sowing-farming-goes-better-than-carbon-neutral-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/zero-emission-sowing-farming-goes-better-than-carbon-neutral-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/zero-emission-sowing-farming-goes-better-than-carbon-neutral-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Click above to watch the video after the break

Let's see an i-MiEV do this.

Michael Inwood, a farmer in New South Wales, Australia, has converted a Mitsubishi truck to plant crops using nothing but electric power. It gets better. The car is charged using renewable energy (wind and sun) and the farming method he uses, called Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping, doesn't use fertilizers or chemicals. It also returns biomass to the earth, sequestering the carbon trapped within, and is therefore better than carbon neutral. The truck uses 45 lead acid batteries (we think) to generate 200 hp, 150 kW, and 100 nm of torque. Plenty to pull the farm equipment. The truck cost $40,000 AUS to convert, but Inwood thinks that it makes sense for his family wool and grain farm. After all, he says that, "You could arguably say this is the most environmentally friendly vehicle in the world."
Watch a video on the project here and another one after the jump. Thanks to Michael I. for the tip!

[Source: YouTube, AgrowPlow]

Continue reading Zero-emission sowing: farming goes better than carbon neutral in OZ [w/VIDEO]

Zero-emission sowing: farming goes better than carbon neutral in OZ [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon neutral farmingcarbon sequestrationcarbon sequestration farmingCarbonNeutralFarmingCarbonSequestrationCarbonSequestrationFarmingSun, 29 Nov 2009 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Electric to top Mitsubishi in 2010 electric car Singapore showdown?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/detroit-electric-to-top-mitsubishi-in-2010-electric-car-singapor/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/detroit-electric-to-top-mitsubishi-in-2010-electric-car-singapor/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/detroit-electric-to-top-mitsubishi-in-2010-electric-car-singapor/#commentsFiled under: , ,



During last weekend's Plug-in Singapore 2009 conference, it was revealed that the country may see electric car companies battle for their hearts and wallets of its citizens next year. Mitsubishi announced that it will be sending 50 of its i-MiEVs to the island city-state in 2011 to begin a three-year, $20 million study. Detroit Electric also has its eye on this market and says it wants to put 500 cars on the local streets and set up an educational store to explain the new technology to consumers and perhaps even give test-drives. Nissan is also planning on entering the fray for itself sometime in 2010. While it all sounds very promising there are some interesting numbers by the two first-comers.

Of course, when talking electric cars, upfront cost is often one of the big issues and here there are some crazy numbers being tossed about in reference to the Mitsubishi. Let's start with 160,000 Singapore dollars ($115,500). That's a lot of cash and, according to AsiaOne, the full retail price of the i-MiEV. Luckily, the companies expressing interest in buying one will only have to fork over about half that amount, which is still a few thousand dollars past eye-watering.

On the other hand, Detroit Electric says, and we paraphrase, "We don't need no stinkin' testing program, our cars are ready to go now! Let's do this thing!" Their price is a far more palatable $26,000 U.S. being mentioned as the starting price for a car said to have close to twice the range of the i MiEV or the Nissan LEAF. Of course, all this is just talk until the rubber meets the Singaporean road but it does make the differences in approach worth watching. Hit the jump for video of a news report discussing cars and the island.


[Source: AsiaOne]

Continue reading Detroit Electric to top Mitsubishi in 2010 electric car Singapore showdown?

Detroit Electric to top Mitsubishi in 2010 electric car Singapore showdown? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Detroit ElectricDetroitElectricMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishiIMievPlug-in Singapore 2009Plug-inSingapore2009SingaporeTue, 24 Nov 2009 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi brings i-MiEV to Vancouver, might bring gas-powered version to U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/mitsubishi-brings-i-miev-to-vancouver-might-bring-gas-powered-v/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/mitsubishi-brings-i-miev-to-vancouver-might-bring-gas-powered-v/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/mitsubishi-brings-i-miev-to-vancouver-might-bring-gas-powered-v/#commentsFiled under: ,



For all the work that Mitsubishi has done selling the i-MiEV as an electric vehicle around the world - Japan, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, etc. - the car is actually a modified version of the i, a tiny kei car offered in Japan and Europe. The jellybean shape could make it to the U.S. market with not only the all-electric powertrain as an option, but also a gasoline-powered version. Just as it does in Europe, the non-ev i would compete with the Smart Fortwo in the U.S., but considering the nosediving sales of the Fortwo in the States, we're not sure if the business case is there for this shift. If the i does come to the U.S., the 600 cc engine would likely be upgraded to a 1.0-liter three-cylinder powerplant, John Koenig, executive vice president for operations at Mitsubishi Motors North America, told Automotive News (subs req'd).

Meanwhile, the i-MiEV's electric intro tour continues with the introduction of a unit into BC Hydro's fleet in Vancouver, BC. Details after the jump.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd), City of Vancouver]

Continue reading Mitsubishi brings i-MiEV to Vancouver, might bring gas-powered version to U.S.

Mitsubishi brings i-MiEV to Vancouver, might bring gas-powered version to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i MiEVIMievmitsubishimitsubishi iMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMitsubishiIMievMon, 23 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[First 25 production i-MiEVs roll into the UK]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/first-25-production-i-mievs-roll-into-the-uk/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/first-25-production-i-mievs-roll-into-the-uk/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/first-25-production-i-mievs-roll-into-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

While the ship they came in on was probably dirty as all get out during its six-week journey from Japan, 25 all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs have arrived in the UK and will take to the streets (in an uneventful government Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator test kind of way) on December 12th. Bringing the cars to the UK has been in discussion for a long time.

If sales in Japan, which started in July, are any indication, a lot more ships with a lot more electric jellybeans will need to make the journey to satisfy demand. Mitsubishi has sold 1,400 units in Japan and already has orders for 900 copies of the vehicles that it will make in 2010. Mitsubishi will make the car in Europe starting in October 2010 and Peugeot and Citroën will sell re-badged versions. More information after the jump.

Gallery: Production i-MiEVs in the UK


[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading First 25 production i-MiEVs roll into the UK

First 25 production i-MiEVs roll into the UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingi mievi-mievIMievmievmitsubishiMitsubishi i MievMitsubishiIMievTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/mitsubishi-imiev-earns-its-chevrons-bring-on-the-citroen-c-zero/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/mitsubishi-imiev-earns-its-chevrons-bring-on-the-citroen-c-zero/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/mitsubishi-imiev-earns-its-chevrons-bring-on-the-citroen-c-zero/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-zerocitroencitroen c-zeroCitroenC-zeroimievmievmitsubishiMitsubishi i MievMitsubishiIMievpeugeot ionPeugeotIonTue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi iMiEV wins Japan Automotive Hall of Fame's "Car Technology of the Year" Award]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/mitsubishi-imiev-wins-japan-automotive-hall-of-fames-car-techn/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/mitsubishi-imiev-wins-japan-automotive-hall-of-fames-car-techn/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/mitsubishi-imiev-wins-japan-automotive-hall-of-fames-car-techn/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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

Mitsubishi iMiEV wins Japan Automotive Hall of Fame's "Car Technology of the Year" Award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car technology of the yearCarTechnologyOfTheYearIMievjapan automotive hall of fameJapanAutomotiveHallOfFamemitsubishiMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMievFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-evolves-concept-cx-into-lower-impact-compact-crossove/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-evolves-concept-cx-into-lower-impact-compact-crossove/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-evolves-concept-cx-into-lower-impact-compact-crossove/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compacy crossoverCompacyCrossoverconcept carconcept-cXConceptCargeneva 2010Geneva Motor Showgeneva motor show 2010Geneva2010GenevaMotorShowGenevaMotorShow2010mitsubishiproject globalProjectGlobalThu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi to work with Netherlands government on EV promotion]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-to-work-with-netherlands-government-on-ev-promotion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-to-work-with-netherlands-government-on-ev-promotion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-to-work-with-netherlands-government-on-ev-promotion/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mitsubishiMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievmitsubishi netherlandsMitsubishiIMievMitsubishiNetherlandsNetherlandsnetherlands governmentNetherlandsGovernmentThu, 29 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-shows-its-more-convention/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-shows-its-more-convention/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-shows-its-more-convention/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Outlander2010Outlanderbreakingconceptconcept carConcept PX-MiEVConceptCarConceptPx-mievcrossovergas-electrichybridMitsumitsubishiMitsubishi Concept PX-MiEVMitsubishi hybridmitsubishi outlanderMitsubishiConceptPx-mievMitsubishiHybridMitsubishiOutlanderoutlanderpx-mievtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 21 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mitsubishi considering plug-in powertrain for next Evolution?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/rumormill-mitsubishi-considering-plug-in-powertrain-for-next-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/rumormill-mitsubishi-considering-plug-in-powertrain-for-next-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/rumormill-mitsubishi-considering-plug-in-powertrain-for-next-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evolution xiEvolutionXihybrid evolutionhybrid mitsubishiHybridEvolutionHybridMitsubishimitsubishimitsubishi evoMitsubishi evolutionmitsubishi evolution xiMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi px-mievMitsubishiEvoMitsubishiEvolutionMitsubishiEvolutionXiMitsubishiIMievMitsubishiPx-mievMon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[i MiEV joins the CarPool, speeds excessively]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/i-miev-joins-the-carpool-speeds-excessively/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/i-miev-joins-the-carpool-speeds-excessively/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/i-miev-joins-the-carpool-speeds-excessively/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarPooli MiEVIMievLlewtubeMiEVMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishiIMievRobert LlewellynRobertLlewellynWed, 07 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Guilty as charged: UK police get iMiEV for urban policing]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/guilty-as-charged-uk-police-get-imiev-for-urban-policing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/guilty-as-charged-uk-police-get-imiev-for-urban-policing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/guilty-as-charged-uk-police-get-imiev-for-urban-policing/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i mievimievmitsubishiMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMievUK Police Mitsubishi iMiEVUkPoliceMitsubishiImievTue, 06 Oct 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept ready to move your eco-friendly goods]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/tokyo-preview-mitsubishi-i-miev-cargo-concept-ready-to-move-you/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/tokyo-preview-mitsubishi-i-miev-cargo-concept-ready-to-move-you/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/tokyo-preview-mitsubishi-i-miev-cargo-concept-ready-to-move-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Concept PX-MiEVConceptPx-mievi mievi MiEV CargoIMievIMievCargoMiEV CargoMievCargomitsubishiMitsubishi Concept PX-MiEVmitsubishi i mievMitsubishi i MiEV CargoMitsubishiConceptPx-mievMitsubishiIMievMitsubishiIMievCargoPX-MiEVThu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/tokyo-preview-mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-comes-with-a-plug-ext/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/tokyo-preview-mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-comes-with-a-plug-ext/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/tokyo-preview-mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-comes-with-a-plug-ext/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptmitsubishiMitsubishi Concept PX-MiEVMitsubishiConceptPx-mievpx-mievtokyotokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: iMiEV pre-orders reach 900 during the first month]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/report-imiev-pre-orders-reach-900-during-the-first-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/report-imiev-pre-orders-reach-900-during-the-first-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/report-imiev-pre-orders-reach-900-during-the-first-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsei mievIMievimiev salesImievSalesmitsubishimitsubishi i mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMievMon, 14 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroën gets Mitsubishi i MiEV variant, Euro sales begin 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/citroen-gets-mitsubishi-i-miev-variant-euro-sales-begin-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/citroen-gets-mitsubishi-i-miev-variant-euro-sales-begin-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/citroen-gets-mitsubishi-i-miev-variant-euro-sales-begin-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Citroën C-ZeroCitroënC-zeroCitroen C-ZeroCitroen electric carCitroenC-zeroCitroenElectricCarelectric CitroenElectricCitroeni mievIMievmievMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishiIMievFri, 04 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Q&A: What happens if the Chevy Volt sleeps with the fishes?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/qanda-what-happens-if-the-chevy-volt-sleeps-with-the-fishes/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/qanda-what-happens-if-the-chevy-volt-sleeps-with-the-fishes/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/qanda-what-happens-if-the-chevy-volt-sleeps-with-the-fishes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevy volt2011 chevy volt water test2011ChevyVolt2011ChevyVoltWaterTestchevy voltchevy volt iver prototypechevy volt water testChevyVoltChevyVoltIverPrototypeChevyVoltWaterTestelectric car waterelectric car water testElectricCarWaterElectricCarWaterTestmitsubishimitsubishi i mievmitsubishi imievmitsubishi imiev water testMitsubishiIMievMitsubishiImievWaterTestsubmerged electric carSubmergedElectricCarWed, 26 Aug 2009 11:53:00 EST