Mitsubishi i-MiEV begins trials

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), which has a top speed of 81mph, a range of 100 miles and can be trickle charged from flat to full in seven hours, is participating in a UK-wide project to test electric and ultra-low-emission vehicles.

Quentin Willson, one of the i-MiEV drivers participating in the trials, said:  ‘The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a forerunner of a transport revolution that eventually will change the world. At last here’s an electric car that doesn’t look like a church pew, seats four, does 80mph and costs less than a quid to charge.’

Over the next 12 months, keys to 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs will be given to test drivers by the Arup-led CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Vehicle Demonstrators) consortium, who are tasked with managing the £25m TSB Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Demonstrator Competition.

The i-MiEV trials are worth £15m and will see 110 vehicles tested on the roads of Birmingham and Coventry. Throughout the UK, a total of 340 vehicles will be tested using funding from the TSB and £2.5m from regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands.