Meridian Energy To Demo Mitsubishi i MiEV Electric Car In NZ Next Year
September 24th, 2008
Chris Mole, Associate Editor
• Trial to start around February 2009.
• Aim is to encourage Govt subsidies.
• Meridian to help evaluate i MiEV.
Mitsubishi is to trial its i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) in NZ next year as a first step towards a possible introduction of the cars to the local market and to create greater public awareness of electric vehicles. Mitsubishi will lend the i MiEV to state-owned power company Meridian Energy, which has teamed up in a joint venture to promote the car in NZ. The timetable is a little vague, with Mitsubishi saying “sometime after February 2009.” Politicians from central and local Govt will be given the chance to drive the i MiEV, in order to spur discussions about possible subsidies for electric vehicles, as well as developments in infrastructure and marketing considerations. Meridian will help to evaluate the vehicle for NZ conditions, including energy supply and infrastructure.
Because vehicles in NZ have their steering wheels on the right, the same as Japan, Mitsubishi considers NZ a likely candidate for early introduction of the i MiEV, ahead of Europe and the US. The i MiEV’s electric motor is powered by recyclable lithium-ion batteries and produces no carbon emissions. The battery takes about seven hours to fully charge. Mitsubishi is developing a quick-charge system that will allow the battery to charge to 80% in three hours. Road tests in Japan show the i MiEV’s acceleration is better than a petrol-driven small car of similar size. In regular drive it offers a full 74kW of power, while in eco mode this is reduced to 18kW, which results in around 10% boost in range. Mitsubishi is also developing a sports version of the i MiEV with solar panels on the roof and small wind turbines in the front grill.
Mitsubishi’s NZ Managing Director John Leighton describes the introduction of the i MiEV as “one of the biggest changes in personal transport since the conception of the motor vehicle.” The i MiEV aligns perfectly with Meridian’s efforts to position itself as NZ’s greenest power company. Meridian CEO Tim Lusk says as NZ’s largest provider of independently-certified carbon neutral electricity, Meridian is committed to assisting NZers with more sustainable energy fuel choices. The power company does not intend to get into selling cars but will no doubt look forward to supplying electricity for the vehicles and taking a share of transport energy away from the oil companies.
Acting Energy Minister Harry Duynhoven says the proposed trial of the i MiEV in NZ is proof electric vehicles are “a reality, not a pipe dream.” The Govt believes electric vehicles have significant potential, with its Energy Strategy proposing NZ should be one of the first countries to adopt plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. The Strategy sets a target for electric cars to make up 30% of vehicle sales by 2030, and 60% of the total light vehicle fleet by 2050. More information on the i MiEV at www.imiev.co.nz
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