dpeilow
09-09-2008, 08:26 AM
Japan Takes the Lead in Green Cars | Newsweek Project Green | Newsweek.com (http://www.newsweek.com/id/157508)
Saw this in the international version this morning. Not sure if the same article is in the US version.
Mitsubishi's new electric car, the i MiEV, offers another nice illustration of the factors underlying Japan's lead. Until now, many electric vehicles have been limited by range, meager acceleration and long charging times. The four-door i MiEV boasts a range of 160 kilometers per each full charge (compared with 40 for a GM Volt), and, as a recent test-drive around Tokyo demonstrated, its pickup in urban traffic differs in no notable way from a gas-powered car. Other new electric vehicles—like Tesla's much-hyped roadsters—may offer even better performance. But in stark contrast to Tesla—an innovative but tiny start-up—Mitsubishi is reaping the benefits of a tie-up with leading Japanese battery maker GS Yuasa that has the two companies preparing for mass production of state-of-the-art batteries by the end of 2009.
Saw this in the international version this morning. Not sure if the same article is in the US version.
Mitsubishi's new electric car, the i MiEV, offers another nice illustration of the factors underlying Japan's lead. Until now, many electric vehicles have been limited by range, meager acceleration and long charging times. The four-door i MiEV boasts a range of 160 kilometers per each full charge (compared with 40 for a GM Volt), and, as a recent test-drive around Tokyo demonstrated, its pickup in urban traffic differs in no notable way from a gas-powered car. Other new electric vehicles—like Tesla's much-hyped roadsters—may offer even better performance. But in stark contrast to Tesla—an innovative but tiny start-up—Mitsubishi is reaping the benefits of a tie-up with leading Japanese battery maker GS Yuasa that has the two companies preparing for mass production of state-of-the-art batteries by the end of 2009.