Mitsubishi CA-MiEV concept: compact sedan previews next-gen EV

The striking city-sized sedan concept previews Mitsubishi’s vision for a future compact electric vehicle, which promises to take a generational leap forward from the current i-MiEV.

The Mitsubishi CA-MiEV introduces an entirely new design philosophy for the brand, embracing the aerodynamic wedge shape made famous by the Toyota Prius.

Swept-back headlights bordered by Y-shaped panels sit either side of the confident, upright grille, while large doors with bold character lines lead to a dramatic rear end with boomerang-shaped tail-lights and a heavily raked split rear windscreen.

Combining lightweight panels and components with a next-generation EV system comprising a 28kWh battery pack and an 80kW electric motor, Mitsubishi says the CA-MiEV has a range of 300km – double that of the i-MiEV and most other electric vehicles – allowing it to venture beyond the city out to suburban and rural environments.

The CA-MiEV is equipped with magnetic resonance wireless charging and smartphone-activated management of the air-conditioning and charging systems, which Mitsubishi says makes it easier to live with day to day.

The concept's suite of advanced driver assist systems includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning.

While only a concept at this stage, Mitsubishi says the CA-MiEV gives "an indication of the direction MMC believes EVs will take in the near future".

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