Mitsubishi has announced the first electric vehicle feasibility study for Australia with the arrival its ground-breaking i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle).
Two vehicles will initially be sent to Australia. One will be used at motorshows and exhibitions and the other for drive tests.
The vehicles will arrive just in time to go on display at the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 27th and will embark on a first-ever tour through Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia shortly afterward.
“Given the current climate of concern regarding our environment, along with unstable petroleum prices, alternative fuel vehicles – and more specifically, electric vehicles or EVs – are a very hot topic at the moment.” chief executive officer and president of MMAL Robert McEniry said, “And instead of just talking about our technological prowess, Mitsubishi Motors will lead the way and make the i MiEV available to a wide range of audiences with the Australian feasibility study. The aim of the study is to allow the participants to gauge the i MiEV’s suitability for the Australian market for themselves in hands-on, real-world drive experiences.”
The study has clear objectives and is designed to educate key audiences on this ground-breaking technology, allow people to experience the technology first hand, gauge reaction to the vehicle and establish communication channels with key partners such as energy providers and local, state and federal government authorities.
Australia’s automotive media, key members of the MMAL dealer network, government authorities, city officials and significant fleet buyers will all have a chance to assess the vehicle whilst the general public will also get to experience the vehicle at public awareness events to be held in most major cities.
As a recognised leader in the field of electric vehicle technology, Mitsubishi has already implemented similar programs in Japan, the United States of America, New Zealand and Europe. The Australian feasibility study will be run along similar lines to the former programs and is designed to showcase the i-MiEV’s absolute drivability, assess its suitability for the local market and examine the infrastructure available to support the program.
Following the round-Australia program, feedback and data collected from all participants will be collated, analysed and utilised in preparing the feasibility study report.
