Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Osamu Masuko said his Tokyo-based auto maker will try to mass-market a small electric vehicle, intended as a “city commuter,” by 2010 and is also considering developing a “plug-in” gasoline-electric hybrid car that can be recharged by plugging it into a wall electric outlet. It is sure to drop down the rocketing comsumption of petrol Mr. Masuko said battery technology has advanced to the point. The Tokyo-based automaker showed off a mini test vehicle equipped with motors embedded in the rear wheels that run on a lithium-ion batteries.
The planned mini-electric car has a cruising range of 90 miles on a single charge and can be recharged in a regular home. The top speed is around 90 miles an hour. Mitsubishi is targeting housewives who drive to pick up children from school, go grocery shopping and won’t need to travel long distances, Adding that they are expected to enjoy owning a car that never needs to fill up at a gas station. Officials said the electric car will cost slightly more than a comparable gas-engine vehicle but they hope to keep prices down through Japanese government aid available for buyers of environmentally friendly cars. Although the price isn’t decided, it may sell for under $19,000, according to Mitsubishi Motors.
