Mitsubishi iMiEV Hybrid Car

2010 Mitsubishi iMiEV: Mitsubishi has been working on the iMiEV for several years now, and a number of electric car enthusiasts have been following it with great interest. For those who have been holding their breath for several years, there is good news. Mitsubishi has recently signed agreements with two electric companies in California to begin road testing, and compatibility testing, in the U.S. While there has been no official press release, Mitsubishi has indicated they intend to have the iMiEV commercially available by 2010.

The iMiEV has been testing with electric companies in Japan for several years, and the testing has been so successful that the iMiEV will be commercially available there in the summer of 2009.

What makes the iMiEV work is the new generation of batteries Mitsubishi has developed in conjunction with GS Yuasa which allow speeds up to 112 miles per hour, and a range of 124 miles. The battery is powered by a combination of roof top solar panels, and a power generating fan in the front grill. Mitsubishi has also incorporated a number of power efficient systems, including LCD lighting and heat absorbing windows that greatly increase the air conditioners efficiency.

Even with all the power saving goodies, however, the solar panel and fan are not necessarily enough to power the battery, so Mitsubishi has made the iMiEV a plug in/electric hybrid. At this point, there isn’t any information on how long charging off the electric grid would take, which is part of the reason for the testing starting soon in California.

In an interesting twist, the iMiEV has 3 motors, one in-wheel motor that drives each of the front wheels, and one motor for the rear wheels.

Mitsubishi has no intention of making a conventional gas/electric hybrid, and has instead devoted its energy to by-passing gasoline entirely. In addition to the green aspects of the power train, Mitsubishi has built the iMiEV using its ‘Green Plastic’, a plastic based on bamboo resins rather then petroleum products, which in addition to using renewable resources, also releases less CO2 then conventional plastics.

In design, the iMiEV appears to be a hatchback-coupe, with a sporty look. It has a long, low wheel base, and a sleek curvy look that is definitely worth a second take.

And, a final bonus, Mitsubishi has announced that it expects the iMiEV to be available commercially for around $17,000. If you are interested in the iMiEV, keep your eyes open, because we can expect plenty more information and developments to come.

Source: newcarpark

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