SocraticGadfly: Mitsubishi joining electric car explosion

August 20, 2008

Mitsubishi joining electric car explosion


Mitsubishi has signed three-year leases to bring this cutie to America starting in October. The agreements are with Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison to add the cars to their corporate electric fleets. (Photo from Wired.)

The i MIEV is a prototype for a full-blow EV to come out in two years. Edmunds has test ride info.

Specs? A 100-inch wheelbase means it’s not a kneecapper in size. Power? Lithium batteries, not nickel hydride.

Performance? On the power side, it’s 0-60 in just over 8 seconds, with 63hp. Endurance? It goes as much as 75 miles on a charge. If this is just a prototype, Mitsubishi could have something to offer in two years.

Per Edmunds, further improvement in the battery pack is the primary need between now and 2010 full model release.

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