Mitsubishi elects for more electrics in line up

On the heels of the Mitsubishi i MiEV's embarkation on mass manufacture, comes word that the Japanese company has solid plans for more battery-powered models. Although an article in the Nikkei points to five newcomers, their definition of "new" and "electric vehicle" (EV) are somewhat, shall we say, generous. Included amongst their number is counted the slightly larger, right-hand-drive global version of the i MiEV as well as the Peugeot-badged version of that derivative. The other dubious addition is that of a plug-in hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) which is likely to be electric at least part of the time, depending on whether it is a parallel (like the Prius) or a series hybrid.

For those who like a sporty two-door ride, another claimed model-to-be is the i Miev Sport Air, the concept version of which we most recently saw updated at the Geneva Motor Show. It sounds and looks great, although no time frame has been given for its introduction. The future line-up is not all about passenger vehicles and so a commercial transport-type EV based on the i MiEV should launch in fiscal 2010. The one unknown all-electric is reportedly planned for fiscal 2011 and may a harbinger of larger models to come. Although said to be based on "full-sized cars," its 1 liter designation will keep it firmly in the compact category. The plan, if successfully executed, should help Mitsubishi reach their announced goal of having 20 percent of their production volume comprised of EVs by 2020.

[Source: Green Car Congress]