Mitsubishi is considering the production of a plug-in, range-extender hybrid, as well as a small, sporty electric coupe. The plug-in hybrid currently is “under study”, and is thought to be similar in principle to Chevrolet’s 2010 Volt.
The car’s electric motor is powered solely by batteries for the first 40 miles or so, its range extended by an internal combustion engine that recharges the battery pack on the move.
There’s no word yet on when it might introduce such a model, but the company’s recently revised corporate goal is to become the world’s most environmentally-friendly car company, which suggests that it is serious about selling cars using this technology.
Mitsubishi is also considering a follow up to its electric i MiEV electric car, with a production version of the i MiEV Sport coupé concept that it unveiled at the Tokyo motor show in 2007.
The i MiEV Sport is a cute, two-plus-two performance coupé with four-wheel drive provided by a trio of electric motors, a pair mounted inside the front wheels, a third driving the rear axle.
The Japanese company plans to reveal an updated version at the Geneva show this March, indicating that it may seriously be considering a version for the showroom.
This spring Mitsubishi will be launching its Colt hatchback with so-called Clear Tec low-emission technologies, and beyond that a low emission 1.8-litre diesel engine of its own design.