Mitsubishi and Peugeot reveal electrifying plans
Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen have signed a cooperative agreement to produce and sell electric vehicles in Europe. The first model will be based on Mitsubishi's all-electric i-MiEV, a lithium ion plug-in electric city car that's built by Mitsubishi in Japan. Extending the potential market reach of the innovative electric city car will be Peugeot and Citroen branded models, these being available in showrooms in Europe by the end of 2010.
The first generation i-MiEV has been on sale in Japan since June, with global right-hand drive sales starting later this year. Left-hand drive models will be produced in time for the commencement of European sales late next year. Named iOn in Peugeot guise, the electric car has a range of around 80 miles - plenty for the average city commuter. Charging should take between 6-8 hours and cost just a few pence on a low overnight rate.
Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen already have links with the Japanese firm providing its Outlander SUV to the two companies to fill 4x4 holes in their ranges. The announcement of further cooperation between the companies once again allows Mitsubishi further potential reach with its innovative electric car, and plugs a gap in the French firms' line-ups. The re-branded electric cars will be unveiled officially at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.
