Bringing the i-MiEV to Europe

Mitsubishi, not known for being a market innovator, is ahead of the game in electric vehicle (EV) development, with plans to bring out a tiny car for its home market in Japan as well as for North America and elsewhere. They’re hooking up with French conglomerate PSA Peugeot Citroën (Peugeot) to produce an EV model for the European market.

Specifically, Mitsubishi plans to build a car based on their Japanese i-MiEV model. Both Peugeot and Citroën versions will be built, with production to commence in October 2010. The first models should become available to buyers by the end of 2010.

Giving the EV Some Juice

Mitsubishi began selling its i-MiEV model (pictured) in Japan in June to local government agencies and corporations. Following a lengthy test period, the i-MiEV will go on sale to Japanese consumers in April 2010, beating a number of similar cars to the market.

Mitsubishi says that the i-MiEV uses a 3-way charging system which will allow the drive battery to be charged at home or on the road. Standard 100-volt or 200-volt domestic home outlets can be accessed to “juice” the i-MiEV, using the charging cables supplied with the vehicle. Quick-charge stations are currently being established throughout Japan to make remote charging a possibility as well.

For Peugeot, the i-MiEV will complement its current and future fleet of low-emission vehicles including upcoming diesel hybrid models – Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 and Citroën DS5 HYbrid4, which will arrive in 2011 and a plug-in diesel hybrid scheduled for 2012 launch. Peugeot has indicated that they want to be a pioneer in the production of low emissions vehicles, thus the i-MiEV will help the French automaker further its cause.

USA Return Possible?

Don’t look for these or other Peugeot or Citroën models to be sold in the United States any time soon. The company is strong in Europe, China and South America, but hasn’t sold cars in the US since the early 1990s. Rumors that Peugeot may eventually sell some of its models through the Penske Group’s Saturn brand is speculation, but something that could happen as the all new Saturn seeks to break free of General Motors.

See Also: Mitsubishi Electric Car Set For July Introduction

Citroën and Mitsubishi (MMC) are the latest companies collaborating to produce models, the former as as subsidiary of French automaker Peugeot. The two companies have announced a partnership to produce three brands of automobiles at a new factory in Kaluga a city some 180km southwest of Moscow. Groundbreaking is scheduled for June 10th, with the first of what will eventually be 160,000 annual vehicles rolling off the assembly line in early 2011.

Two vehicle segments will be produced at the plant:

1. Mid-range vehicles which currently represent 50% of all automotive sales in Russia and,
2. SUVs which is a fast growing and sought after category for Russian drivers.

The most recent Mitsubishi-Citroën arrangement isn’t the first between the companies. In 2005, MMC and PSA Peugeot Citroën began working together on developing an SUV for the European market, a vehicle that has been well received since its 2007 product launch.

Renault and Nissan each own shares in the other while Mitsubishi recently (2005) ended its relationship with the former DaimlerChrysler concern.

(Source: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)