Mitsubishi's New Electric Car Goes 100 Miles on Charge

Mitsubishi has announced their next electric vehicle, the i MiEV SPORT AIR. The AIR looks a little like a Volkswagen but sports an even sleeker design and definitely a lot lighter thanks to the aluminum design. It will sport a 63 horsepower electric monitor powered by 330 volt lithium ion batteries and has a driving range of 100 miles on just a seven hour charge.

The lithium ion battery-powered, all wheel drive coupe will use a pair of in-wheel motors in the front corners along with a third motor driving the rear wheels. Helping the coupe reach its 120 mile range are photovoltaic solar cells mounted in the roof and LED lighting. Additional power comes from a generating fan mounted in the front grille.

The body uses a high-rigidity and high-strength aluminum space frame structure made of extruded and die-cast aluminum members and in keeping the weight down, many aluminum parts are also used in the suspension.

Inside, comfort is enhanced by an air conditioner fitted with a bio-clear filter and deodorizer as well as an oxygen-and-aroma generating system. Aerodynamics reduce wind noise to maintain the electric vehicles quiet interior and the in car communications system is based on high-speed PLC (Power Line Communications) a technology being researched by the company that uses a household power socket as a LAN port and the indoor power wiring as a LAN cable so users can connect a home computer to preset vehicle recharging and air-conditioning, update the navigation system via the Internet, or collect diagnostic information on vehicle maintenance.

Availability and Pricing
While the pricing is not yet known but the i MiEV will hit the streets in 2010.