Mitsubishi launches the first ever electric vehicle drive across Canada

Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada announced that on August 17th, Mitsubishi’s innovative four passenger electric car, the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicles), based on the Japanese i-Car platform, will leave Signal Hill, in St John’s Newfoundland on a 28 day coast to coast tour.

After covering approximately 7,500 kilometres, the Clean Across Canada tour will arrive in Vancouver British Columbia on September 13, 2010 at the annual EV 2010 Conference and Trade Show.

"The i-MiEV is an exciting break-through for Mitsubishi in zero tailpipe emissions technology, said Koji Soga. Our values of renewable production, clean air technology, alternative fuel and conservation, represented by our tagline "Drive@earth", guide our Company and the development of the i-MiEV. The Clean Across Canada tour, a first for Canadians will showcase the technology and capability of this no compromise urban vehicle."

The i-MiEV features four important innovations that enhance the vehicle’s capability; optimum packaging of occupants and EV systems, high capacity lithium-ion batteries, small efficient electric motor and the three-way charging system.

The long wheelbase and "wheels at corner" design provides comfortable seating for four adults, with reasonable luggage capacity behind the rear seat.

The high energy density 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is designed in such a way that allows it to be effectively placed under the vehicle floor, lowering the centre of gravity thus improving handling, while maximizing interior occupant space.

The small highly efficient electric motor provides 180Nm (133 lb-ft) of peak torque and is quieter and more powerful than gasoline engines typically found in vehicles this size.

The charging system allows for North American power outlets of 110V (14 hours), 220V (7 hours) or a quick charge that can reduce the charge time to approximately 30 minutes for an 80% battery charge.

The i-MiEV will launch in late 2011 in the Canadian market and is already on sale in Japan. Pricing has not yet been set for the Canadian Market .

The i-MiEV is expected to travel up to 120 kilometers on a single charge on its 16 kwh lithium-ion battery and with the Eaton quick charging system it can be quickly recharged during one of the many daily events before continuing on to the next activity. The tour will visit towns and major cities across Canada offering consumers the opportunity to experience the i-MiEV first hand and all that it has to offer.

The tour is supported by a team of dedicated corporate sponsors and partners assisting Mitsubishi and showcasing their commitments. Sponsors and partners include Eaton Canada, Yokohoma Tire, Sirius Satellite Radio, Clarion and Bullfrog Power and Hydro Quebec, Ontario Power Generation, ENMAX and BC Hydro- provincial sponsors thus far.

Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles are backed by a comprehensive "10-5-5" warranty, the powertrain is covered by a 10 year or 160,000 km limited warranty. The new vehicle limited warranty is covered for 5 years or 100,000 km. Lancer Evolution, Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart are backed by a comprehensive "5-3-5" warranty.

The powertrain is covered by a 5 year or 100,000 km limited warranty. The new vehicle limited warranty is covered for 3 years or 60,000km.

The program also includes, on all Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles, 24/7 emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty related repairs, for 5 years and unlimited km and an anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty for any body sheet metal panel found to have developed perforation (metal rust-through) due to corrosion in normal use for 5 years and unlimited km.

www.mitsubishi-motors-pr.ca