Origins of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV

To make EVs a practical reality in the UK, infrastructure development is as important as developing the car itself. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has been conducting joint research with power companies in Japan using the i-MiEV. These power companies will evaluate and analyze the practical applicability and quick-charge compatibility, which in turn will help to develop vehicles and infrastructure for safe and convenient EV use in the UK.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK continues to work closely with a wide range of central and local government bodies and other industry representatives to secure an effective future electric vehicle infrastructure as soon as possible.

GS Yuasa Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation established a joint venture company, “Lithium Energy Japan” to manufacture high-capacity, high-performance lithium-ion batteries on December 12th, 2007.

GS Yuasa is currently the only mass producer of large lithium-ion batteries in Japan. The new company will produce batteries with substantially improved performance and higher capacities suitable for EVs.

Beginning in early FY 2009, annual production of 200,000 lithium-ion EV battery cells (enough to power more than 2,000 i-MiEVs) will begin at a new factory in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, with additional production volume following quickly thereafter.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation began joint research with power companies in November 2006. In February 2008, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation started a widespread fleet monitoring test in order to verify the vehicle’s technical capabilities in daily use, and to evaluate the market acceptability.

Looking further to the future, Mitsubishi is heavily involved in developing the next, most advanced generation of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). It is also committed to developing other CO2 reducing technologies, such as ClearTec already available on the Colt supermini, to help us all secure a cleaner future.