Mitsubishi first to launch electric cars to Kiwis

29 March 2011

Mitsubishi first to launch electric cars to Kiwis

The first electric cars will be available for sale to the New Zealand public from July 2011 at designated Mitsubishi Motors dealers.

Global leader of electric vehicle (EV) technology, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has allocated a limited number of units to Mitsubishi Motors NZ, which expects them to sell quickly through its six approved EV dealers.

“The public has been very interested in how the Wellington City i-MiEV trial has been going and we already have a list of people ready to own one,” says Mitsubishi Motors NZ head of sales and marketing strategy Daniel Cook. “These are the first mass produced EVs available to Kiwis and we’re excited to be able to deliver this leading edge environmentally conscious technology.

There are currently eight electric vehicles in use around the capital. Facilitated by the Wellington City Council, four participating businesses - New Zealand Post, Meridian Energy, The Wellington Company and Mitsubishi Motors - are putting the cars to work in ‘the real world’ and they have more than met expectations.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says interest in the i-MiEV trial extends beyond Wellington with numerous observers around the world.

“The trial is allowing us to gain a better understanding of how this exciting technology will change the way we travel and do business in Wellington,” says the Mayor.

i-MiEV. He travels around 90km / day in his Pace-branded i-MiEV and says “the running cost reduction and sports car agility make it an excellent replacement for my diesel van”.

“These cars are designed for urban commuters,” said Mr Cook. “The average commuter travels 32 km / day. Every couple of days they can plug the car into a 15 amp socket in their garage to recharge the batteries.”

A full recharge takes approximately seven hours and costs about $5. Depending on conditions, a full charge can power the i-MiEV for up to 150km.

If caught short in the city, Wellington EV drivers now also have inner-city recharging options. At its Harbour City Shell Service Station, Greenstone Energy has installed a free 15-amp charging post.

Greenstone chief executive Mike Bennetts said the company actively looks at the future of fuels.

“As a Kiwi fuel company, we are giving a lot of thought to how we’re going to contribute to a sustainable future for New Zealand. We saw the installation of this charging post as an opportunity to demonstrate a new technology that we are likely to see more of in the future.“

“Whatever the future holds for energy and transport fuels in New Zealand, we are going to be part of it.”

The i-MiEV will be on sale at approved Mitsubishi dealers from July 2011 for $59,990 including a 3-year / 100,000 km warranty, 3-years of free servicing and installation of one 15 amp socket in the home garage for charging.

“With free servicing and low costs of running, the i-MiEV represents an affordable way to drive New Zealand’s most environmentally friendly vehicle, and it’s available this year” said Mr Cook.

Authorised Mitsubishi Motors Dealers:

Auckland Motors – Auckland, Manakau

Andrew Simms Mitsubishi – Auckland, Newmarket

Simon Lucas Mitsubishi – Auckland, Northshore

Ingham Mitsubishi – Hamilton

Armstrong Mitsubishi – Wellington

Donnithorne Simms – Christchurch
ends

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