Mitsubishi Partners With Utility Company for i MiEV

Mitsubishi announced it would send its all-electric i MiEV to Southern California Edison for testing and evaluation, similar to collaborations with utilities that are already under way in Japan.

The idea is for the utility company and the automaker to figure out how best to integrate electric vehicles like the i MiEV into a future “smart” grid that will be easily compatible with Edison's SmartConnect charging meters.

The i MiEV — a mini car that will be available in Japan by 2009 — can drive up to a hundred miles on a single battery charge and will primarily serve city drivers. There’s already a 64-hp gasoline version, but Mitsubishi says the all-electric motor will have better acceleration and improved performance.

The partnership could be the i MiEV's first step on its way to American drivers.

Comments

I just wish they'd sell the gas version in the U.S. It gets 43mpg and seats 4 comfortably.

i agree they should bring it over but not sure its any more comfortable than a yaris.

If it could sell half as well as the yaris it could be a big boost for mistu.

I agree, this will bring a good amount of sales if it reached into our shores. Toyota's doing well with its Yaris when Japan brought it over to the US. The i MiEV would give Mitsubishi a good boost if sales are good. Even the electric version would be great nevertheless. Lets see if this test will be successful enough for American drivers.

One of the worst performing car companies partners with one of the worst performing utilities to assess an all electric vehicle. This is more about self promotion (ie Smart Grid/Smart Metering) than anything else. Southern Cal Edison must have several rate cases pending.