AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

As part of a goal to make 20 per cent of its model range EV (electric vehicle)-based by 2020, Mitsubishi has unveiled the CA-MiEV at the Geneva motor show. It follows the i-MiEV city car and aims to tackle the feedback received about that car in the past three years of customer trials.

The CA-MiEV is billed as the 'suburban EV' and is similar in size to most superminis at 4050mm long, 1775mm wide and 1550mm high. Its arrow-like shape has largely been dictated by the need for good aerodynamics to boost efficiency. Replacing the wing mirrors with camera, making the underside completely flat, reducing air intakes and adding a rear diffuser has contributed to a drag co-efficient of 0.26cd.

A compact pack of high-density lithium-ion batteries powers the CA-MiEV. Total power output is 107bhp, comparable to a Nissan Leaf. 

Mitsubishi Motors president Osamu Masuko said the technology on the concept would inform the company's future model range: "CA-MiEV is a four-metre-long family car that can seat five people and showcases various technologies that Mitsubishi will look to introduce in the future.

"It has wireless battery charging, high-efficiency system and regenerative braking systems and high energy density lithium-ion batteries.

"Together these technologies combine to give CA-MiEV a driving range of approximately 300 kilometres (about 185 miles), which equates to a week of pure electric driving for the average European motorist."

Technology for the cabin includes automatic phone and email in the case of theft or emergency, and remote pre-heating.

Thanks to: Autocar