Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the approval of an additional 70 i-MiEV electric vehicles for the Australian market.
MMAL CEO and president Masahiko Takahashi said the total number would climb from 40 to 110 by the end of the 2010 calendar year.
“The interest displayed by Australian private consumers and organizations in the new electric vehicle technology has been overwhelming,” Mr Takahashi said. “We have received more than 300 applications for the vehicles.”
Released in Japan during 2009, the i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, is one of the world’s first truly viable zero drive-time emission city commuter cars produced by a volume manufacturer – and the first to be released in Australia.
Mitsubishi said the i-MiEV’s electric motor was smaller, produced more torque at low revolutions and was quieter than a similarly-powered turbocharged petrol engine.
Its range of up to 160 km and top speed of 130 km/h would suit the requirements of most private or fleet drivers, considering that more than 80 percent of urban Australian commuters travelled less than 100 km a day, Mitsubishi said.
This is what the city council should put their money towards instead of those silly bikes. There should be a subsidy program and preferential parking for the use of this type of vehicle. Even if charged with non-green power, these cars still produce far less emissions than the best petrol or diesel car.
Juust stick a solar system on the roof of your house and charge it for free!