Mitsubishi Motors Corp (MMO.F) could begin selling its all-electric car
to customers in Japan as early as summer 2009, the Nikkei business
daily said, according to a Reuters report.
A spokesman for the company said it is studying how to best time the
roll-out of its vehicle, called the i-MiEV. The company said sales may
begin with fleet customers, but individuals would be able to buy the
vehicle by 2010 at the latest.
A different spokesperson said 2,000 vehicles would be available
in the first year--twice the level previously announced--according to
the report
Last month the company announced that it may begin working with PSA Peugeot Citroen (UG.PA) to develop electric powertrains for small urban vehicles.
BMW (BMW.F) announced that it wil begin field tests on electric drive
systems in the Mini brand of vehicles. BMW said in March that it will
determine this year whether or not to pursue production of a
battery-powered car. To date, the company has primarily focused on
hydrogen-powered vehicles as a replacement to gasoline-powered cars.
Tests will be conducted over 12-18 months, followed by a report, the company said
Earlier this week the Renault-Nissan electric car alliance reached an agreement with Portugal to collaborate on a nationwide system of charging stations for eletric vehicles.
