Friday, March 27, 2009

Mitsubishi i MiEV

Also based on the Mitsubishi i kei car, it was first exhibited at the 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition in Yokohama. This vehicle was the first where the "i" in MIEV stood for "innovative", as it eschews the in-wheel motors in favour of a more conventional array of batteries, motor and inverter to replace the "rear midship" engine and fuel tank of the conventional car. MMC provided three power companies with vehicles in 2006 and 2007 in order to conduct joint research to evaluate how fast-charge infrastructure may be developed for EVs. Fleet testing by five power companies was conducted in 2007. The car has a range of 130 kilometres (80 mi) for the 16 kW·h lithium-ion pack and 160 kilometres (100 mi) for the 20 kW·h pack. Top speed is 130 kilometres per hour (80 mph).Also known as the i-EV, it is planned for sale or lease in Japan and other markets in 2009 and 2010.It may also be sold in European markets as the Peugeot 1001 and Citroën Re-Volt.

During early 2009 the i MiEV was exhibited in Australia at the Melbourne Motor Show, following which it extensively toured Australia. Mitsubishi fitted out a diesel-powered truck to carry the i MiEV between its many engagements across the country. Ironically, the truck was equipped with a stand-alone diesel-powered generator to re-charge the i MiEV.

During January - March 2009 the i MiEV was brought to New Zealand as part of an electric vehicle trial, which saw the i MiEV travel the length of the country testing infrastructure and demonstrating the vehicle to the public.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Mitsubishi_iMiEV_sport.JPG

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