“This is the first time in Australia’s history that environmentally aware citizens will be able to purchase their very own zero drive-time emission, mass produced fully electric vehicle – the i-MiEV. And to ensure the i-MiEV gets off to a great start, we have released the model year 12 version, which includes upgraded safety and comfort specifications, at a lower price, which is expected to be around $50,000,” said MMAL’s CEO and president, Genichiro Nishina, at a public press conference yesterday.
Back in June 2011, a total of 110 i-MiEVs were leased to local, state and federal governments and selected innovative organizations. The large number of public enquiries received regarding the launch of the i-MiEV prompted the company to release details of the model ahead of its Australian arrival.
The MY12 i-MiEV includes additional features over the previous model. Safety has been enhanced with the addition of side and curtain airbags, taking the total number of airbags in the vehicle to six. The addition of Electronic Stability Control to the previous model’s Active Stability and Traction Control and braking system helps the i-MiEV maintain traction on slippery or rugged surfaces and ensures stability and prevents loss of control when cornering. An In-Cable Charging Circuit Interrupt Device has been added to the vehicle’s electric management system and provides an extra safety precaution when recharging.
“Considering that about 95 per cent of commuters in urban Australia travel less than 100 kilometers per day, the i-MiEV is an excellent real-world solution to help reduce the population’s environmental impact,” Nishina said.
Google News