Other renewables

Mitsubishi to supply electric vehicles to Suzuki

If the companies reach an agreement, Mitsubishi, the maker of the world’s first commercially produced electric car, the i-MiEV, would provide Suzuki with minicar-class light commercial electric vehicles, it said.

According to a media report, Suzuki and Mitsubishi intend to build their cooperation to full-scale supply by March 2013. Suzuki will sell the Mitsubishi electric vehicles under its brand, adding the first EV to its lineup, the Nikkei said. The Japanese daily newspaper also reports that Mitsubishi will build about 4000 vehicles for Suzuki this fiscal year.

The two Japanese companies plan for initial supply of the mini commercial vehicle to Suzuki to begin in February 2012. Mitsubishi has also struck a similar deal to manufacture electric vehicles for sale by Nissan Motor Co., while Mitsubishi sells the Delica D:2 subcompact supplied by Suzuki.

The Mitsubishi Minicab light commercial electric vehicle is estimated to have a range of 100 km (62 mi) with a full charge, which is lower than that of i-MiEV, in a bid to reduce costs. The price is aimed for less than ¥2,000,000 (about US$24,450) after subsidies.