Auto Extreme

Mitsubishi is working on its in-wheel motor technology, dubbed MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle) first, they created a version of the Colt and later an i prototype. Much like GM’s E-Flex, Mitsubishi envisions MIEV to be able to work with its emerging hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell technology as well as in a purely electric capacity.

The car would use lithium-ion battery packs - that is, if Mitsubishi can work out the overheating and other issues that have been confusing Toyota and GM. The i prototype has two options for charging. 1st- a main outlet that would hook up to electric charging stations for quick charging. 2nd- a home outlet option that would take longer to recharge.

If fully charged, Range is estimated at about 100 miles, with power somewhere north of 50 horsepower and a top speed of around 80 mph delivered to motors located at all four wheels.

i-MIEV is now undergoing testing. If Mitsubishi can keep the range at 100 miles or more and conquer the lithium-ion battery issues, it could make quite a splash with a production version of the vehicle.

The Japanese automaker, who’s been working on electric-vehicle technology for some time, is apparently poised to produce an electric-powered production version of its i minicar, according to a report from U.K.-based Car Magazine.

According to the report, the fully electric i will first hit Japanese roads sometime in 2010, with potential export to Europe about a year afterward.

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