Small Electric Cars are Coming

It’s no secret that things are changing in the automotive market. Buying trends are shifting as fuel economy becomes more of an issue. Consumers are holding back on new car purchases as they weigh the personal implications of a challenging economy. And advanced technology vehicles like electric cars seem to have more potential than ever as those in Washington seem ready to push that agenda for energy efficiency and oil displacement goals. For this reason, many automakers here and abroad are either committing to electric vehicle models or have ones in development.

Perhaps the most high-profile evidence of this is Mitsubishi with its i-MiEV (pronounced i-mēv), a city electric car that’s coming shortly for the Japanese market and possibly for drivers in the States as well. It’s already in on-road testing with electric utilities Southern California Edison (SCE) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The car’s announced market introduction in Japan was preceded by the very same kind of demonstration program as the one ongoing here, so there’s certainly a very good possibility that the i-MiEV will see the light of day on American roadways.

Not content to leave us with just that hope, Mitsubishi is stepping out to show us what else could be accomplished with its ‘conventional’ battery electric i-MiEV. At the Geneva Motor Show, the automaker unveiled its creative i-MiEV Sport Air concept, which shares what electric cars of the near future may offer drivers who want a bit of edgy style with their zero emission motoring.

All it takes is a quick glance to clue you in why this i-MiEV variant is tagged ‘Sport Air.’ Its formidable clear cutaway roof panel lends a pretty massive feeling of openness to the cockpit even with the panel in place. That feeling is enhanced further with the lightweight plastic roof panel detached. Other design features include a lightweight aluminum and plastic teardrop bodyshell, interesting 3D headlamp and taillamp designs, and circuit board graphic elements incorporated into various exterior components. This car literally shouts ‘electric.’

This mid-ship i-MiEV Sport Air variant is powered by an 80 horsepower electric motor, a 13 horsepower bump up from the standard electric motor in the i-MiEV. Energy is supplied by a 330 volt lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the floor. Like the batteries, the charger and inverter are located as low as possible to optimize the 2155 pound car’s center of gravity.

Will a sporty version of the i-MiEV make its way to the highway? It’s too early to tell … we’re still waiting for the i-MiEV model being introduced in Japan to be announced for the North American market. We’re crossing our fingers on that one first, and then we’ll be lobbying for a Sport variant as a follow-up.