Mitsubishi Will Release Two New Electric and Hybrid Models

As a second choice after the launch in New Zealand next month of the i-MiEV, which is the electric version of the iCity hatchback, Mitsubishi will offer an electric version of the compact ASX sports utility vehicle. The i-MiEV will cost about $59,990, which includes a three-year/100,000km warranty, three years free servicing and the installation of one 15 amp socket in the home garage for charging.

Another electric version, this time of the Outlander SUV, is expected to be available in 2012 as the second electric vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi after the iMiEV. The carmaker said subtle that the release of the Outlander will be pushed back in favor of the hybrid ASX.

The i-MiEV and the ASX models will be among eight plug-in hybrid vehicles to be produced by Mitsubishi by 2015. All models will get either full electric or plug-in petrol-electric hybrid powertrains as a second option for the conventional petrol and diesel engines.

The new Outlander will be based on the PX MiEV concept car first shown at the 2009 Tokyo motor show. The Japanese car manufacturer said the concept has a petrol range of 50 km on battery before a 1.6 litre petrol engine starts to generate electricity for longer journeys.

The PX-MiEV can switch to all wheel drive by powering an electric motor on the rear axle when slip is detected.

The i-MiEV model is a four-seat hatchback based on the body design of the Mitsubishi i-Car, which used a turbocharged 660cc petrol engine and was first sold in New Zealand in 2007. 

These will be the fist electric vehicles that are scheduled for mass production, showing that Mitsubishi is keen to enter the “green auto market”.

Source: Autoevolution
Photo: Netcarshow