Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that it would provide 10 i MiEV*1
electric vehicles for official use at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.
The electric vehicles will be used as transport for visiting world
leaders and members of the media. Additionally, the vehicles will
comprise one part of an on-site display*2 and test drive.
MMC hopes that through its small contribution, attendees of the G8
Summit will find a new appreciation for the superior practicality and
environmental viability of electric vehicles.
MMC will bring the i MiEV electric vehicle to market next
year (2009) in Japan, as part of its plan to help reduce global warming
and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The i MiEV is based on the " i
" minicar, and utilizes a large-capacity lithium-ion battery and a
compact, high-output electric motor in place of the traditional
powertrain.
At present, MMC is conducting fleet tests in
cooperation with several domestic electric power companies, in order to
make electric vehicles a common sight on Japan's roads as soon as
possible. Plans are also under way to begin fleet testing of the i MiEV
at more than one U.S. power company as early as this fall. Data about
the effects of local climate and driving preferences, gathered in the
aforementioned tests, will allow MMC to make meaningful progress toward
bringing the i MiEV to market.
| *1 |
MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle |
| *2 |
The large-capacity lithium-ion battery used in the i MiEV will also will also be displayed at the event. |
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