California Evaluating the Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The State of California will test two Mitsubishi i-MiEV zero emissions vehicles which will be offered for evaluation by Mitsubishi Motors North America. Both the Governor’s office and the Department of General Services have expressed their interest in the inclusion of electric vehicles, such as the i-MiEV, into the State’s support vehicle fleet.

On May 24, during a press event, Governor Schwarzenegger was given a presentation of the i-MiEV by Mitsubishi officers.

Schwarzenegger tested the vehicle’s interior, consequently speaking to representatives of the media about the battery electric vehicle being representative of the technology necessary to bring the sustainable transportation concept closer to reality in the State of California.

“Key committees within the California State Legislature seek to gain experience with battery electric transportation to help better understand and resolve the challenges facing the development of EV infrastructure. Lawmakers and officials will have these vehicles available for extended test-drives to learn the nuances of driving an EV and experience the recharging process,” stated the press release.

The i-MiEV was introduced to the Japanese market in July last year. The efficiency-orientated, battery electric, sub-compact vehicle can accommodate four adults and can be recharged using a standard wall socket.

The State of California will be evaluating the production model Japanese Domestic Market version (the car is right hand drive) of the i-MiEV. Mitsubishi Motors has announced its intentions of bringing the vehicle to the U.S. market in the course of the following year.