Hydro-Quebec’s demonstration project to start in December with delivery of the first five vehicles Within the framework of the first cross-Canada tour ever undertaken by an all-electric vehicle, Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. drove the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) right up to the Boucherville Town Hall today. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to meet with our Quebec partners once again, and to introduce the i-MiEV to Boucherville for the first time,” stated Koji Soga, who went on to explain that: “The i-MiEV, which has covered some 2 135 km thus far, will be spending the day here, allowing consumers to discover for themselves everything this vehicle has to offer.” In fact, the, i-MiEV left Signal Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland on August 17th, on a 28-day, 7,500-km cross-country trek that will end in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 13, 2010. Jean Martel, Mayor of Boucherville, and Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Government Affairs at Hydro-Quebec, were on hand to welcome it. “We are proud to have been chosen by Mitsubishi and Hydro-Quebec to test the i-MiEV all-electric vehicle. In addition to its ecological and economical qualities, the i-MiEV test will allow the Town of Boucherville to see how electric vehicles could eventually be integrated in our automotive fleet. Boucherville employees and members of our business community will have the privilege of testing this vehicle and commenting on it,” said Boucherville Mayor Jean Martel. It should be recalled that Hydro-Quebec and Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSC) will be launching the largest electric vehicle pilot project in Canada at the end of the year. Over a three-year period, Hydro-Quebec, in collaboration with the Town of Boucherville, will be testing up to 50 all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs under various conditions, in order to assess the vehicles’ charging performance as well as evaluate the driving experience and the drivers’ overall satisfaction. “Today, we have the great pleasure of confirming that the first five i-MiEVs to be tested in Boucherville will be delivered in December as planned,” stated Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Senior Director, Strategic Planning and Government Affairs with Hydro-Quebec. “This pilot project is important for Hydro-Quebec as it will enable us to deepen our knowledge and more accurately project our needs in terms of charging infrastructure.”
A glimpse of the i-MiEV Based on the Japanese i-Car platform, this innovative four-passenger vehicle is a zero tailpipe emission car. Four major innovations improve the i-MiEV. This vehicle effectively protects its occupants as well as its electrical systems. It also features high-capacity lithium-ion batteries and a small eco-energetic electric motor as well as a three-way charging system. With its long wheelbase and wheels positioned as far to the front and back as possible, the i-MiEV can comfortably accommodate four adults as well as luggage behind the back seat. The 16 kWh high energy density lithium-ion battery pack is located beneath the vehicle’s floor, improving handling as well as maximizing space in the passenger compartment. Capable of travelling 120 km on a single charge, Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV can be quickly recharged between Clean Across Canada Tour events using the Eaton quick-charging system. Its small highly efficient electric motor provides a peak torque of 180 Nm (133 lbs.-ft.). It is also quieter and more powerful than the fuel engines that generally power vehicles of this size. The charging system is designed for use with North American 110-volt power outlets (14 hours) or 220-volt outlets (7 hours). A quick-charge system can also be used to provide an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. Already sold in Japan, the i-MiEV will be introduced on the Canadian market at the end of 2011. Mitsubishi wishes to thank the sponsors of its Clean Across Canada Tour: Eaton Canada, Yokohama Tire, Sirius Satellite Radio, Hydro-Quebec, OPG, Enmax, Clarion and Bullfrog Power as well as BC Hydro. The company also invites the general public to come out and see the new i-MiEV for themselves. It will be on display at the following locations: Public Events Monday, August 23 in Boucherville 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boucherville Mitsubishi 1541 Ampère Street, Boucherville Tuesday, August 24 in Montreal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gabriel Mitsubishi 4550 Saint-Jean Boulevard, Pointe Claire Technical Data Battery Total energy: 16 kWh Total voltage: 330 V Type: Lithium-Ion Maximum driving range: 120 km Drive system Rear wheel Engine Peak torque: 180 Nm (133 lbs.-ft.) Maximum output: 47 kW (63 hp) Permanent magnet synchronous Performance (0-80 km/hr.) 1.5 seconds faster than a fuel-powered engine of equal power Distance covered on a single charge Approximately 120 km (75 miles) Maximum speed 130 km/hr. (81 mph) Curb weight 1,080 kg (2,376 lbs.) Overall length x width x height 3,395 x 1,475 x 1,600 mm (134 x 58 xx 63 in.) Charging 110 V, 220 V or quick charge |