Mitsubishi Motors was one of the first automakers to start research into and development of the electric vehicle as an alternative fuel vehicle. Mitsubishi has built a new electric car, the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV)*1 for a next-generation EV development project. This car is to be introduced at an international alternative vehicle symposium in Yokohama, Japan from Oct 23 to Oct 28, 2006.
The electric vehicle (EV) which is still in its research phase, will be used for joint research programmes with power companies that have been working on the promotion of EVs. Data collected during daily real-world use will be used to assess the commercial prospects of battery-powered electric cars.
Mitsubishi says the electric car has a top speed of 80 mph and can travel 80 to 100 miles on a single charge - which is good enough for most consumers who use vehicles for short trips every day. i MiEV is the third EV of MMC’s MiEV series. Based on the i minicar platform, i MiEV replaces the conventional engine and fuel tank with a lithium-ion battery system, motor, inverter and other EV components in the rear-midship layout.
If I get a chance to go to Yokohama next week, I’d certainly love to see this futuristic car a the symposium.
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