Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today, on World Environment Day, unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV  new-generation electric vehicle (EV), describing it as "the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society." The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year.

The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration with both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs.

Mitsubishi Motors expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease basis, some 1,400 i-MiEV models in fiscal 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities. The company plans to start sales of i-MiEV to individuals in April 2010 and will start taking orders in late July of this year.

-MiEV : Overview
The i-MiEV makes maximum use of the long wheelbase that stems from its base model the "i" minicar's rear-midship layout to install a large capacity lithium-ion drive battery under the floor and the power unit under the luggage compartment. This provides a cruising range that is ample for everyday use without compromising the generous seating or luggage space of the "i."

The introduction of the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how garnered from many years of EV research and development - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV.

• Principal product features:
Zero drive-time CO₂ emissions
Driven 100% by electrical power
Quiet, agile, comfortable performance
Ample range for everyday minicar use
3 ways to charge the battery

• Advanced technology
Main powertrain components
Motor (power unit)
Transmission
On-board charger
DC/DC converter
Inverter
Combination meter display
Shift selector
Climate control
Safety features

• LED headlamps and rear combination lamps
• PBS-bamboo fiber Green Plastic tailgate trim
• Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (MMES)

i-MiEV specifications

Sales target: 1,400 units (fiscal 2009)
MSRP: JPY 4,599,000 (consumption tax inclusive) JPY 4,380,000 (ex-tax)

Courtesy: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Top Selling Mitsubishi Cars:
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi Cedia
Mitsubishi Montero

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 5 June, 2009 11:19:32 AM IST #