Through daily use, PG&E will gauge the viability of utilizing all-electric vehicles in its operations and further understand the impact of charging electric vehicles on the electric grid. The testing will provide PG&E and Mitsubishi Motors with vehicle usage data, which will be used to publicly demonstrate and validate the many benefits of dedicated electric vehicles within the California market.
The rise in interest for electric vehicles and other alternative-fuel propulsion systems is dramatically shaping the way automakers and utility companies are approaching the opportunity. Through their program, SCE hopes to help Mitsubishi Motors gauge how electric vehicles will most effectively connect to the smart grid of the future and the next generation Edison SmartConnect™ advanced meters. In addition, the collaboration may explore future requirements for vehicle communication and connection, helping enable new customer values associated with home energy management and control.
The i MiEV electric vehicle, which is based on Mitsubishi’s “i” gasoline-powered mini car on sale in Japan, adapts a zero-emissions state-of-the-art electric drivetrain. A durable 330-volt lithium-ion battery system is located under the floor deck and powers a permanent magnet electric motor. With this packaging, the i MiEV is able to offer the same level of interior utility and space as the gasoline version while lowering the center of gravity for more stable handling. The 47 kW electric motor offers improved performance and quicker acceleration over the 64-hp gasoline version.
The advanced lithium-ion battery is developed by the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation / Mitsubishi Corporation / GS Yuasa joint venture company, Lithium Energy Japan. LEJ represents the leading edge in battery technology and promises up to 100 miles* of zero-emissions, economical driving on a single charge when packaged in the i MiEV.
*Japan 10-15 Mode Cycle
About Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, import/export, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors worldwide. MMC maintains seven manufacturing facilities in five countries (plus more than 12 business-partner facilities in 11 countries) and sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. It has sold over 1.3 million vehicles in more than 160 countries during 2007. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at 888-560-6672 or visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com or media.mitsubishicars.com
About SCE
An Edison International company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of more than 13 million via 4.8 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within central, coastal and Southern California.
SCE’s EV Technical Center, unique in the utility industry, partners with automakers and battery manufacturers to conduct industry-leading prototype testing and evaluation on battery EV, plug-in hybrid EV and fuel cell EV vehicles. For more information, see www.sce.com.
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