Zero-emission i MiEV begins testing in New Zealand
By Darren Murph 
posted Feb 13th 2009 8:59AM
posted Feb 13th 2009 8:59AM
Slowly but surely, the i MiEV is making its way out to test fields around the globe. Just months after a smattering of the zero-emission vehicles hit the west coast of America, we're now being told that a new crew of guinea pigs have waltzed into New Zealand. Over a hundred government representatives and key stakeholders were invited to drive Mitsubishi Motors' oddest, greenest vehicle, and of course, to talk business about how this bean could fit into the nation's transportation system. As it stands, Mitsu is still looking to launch the vehicle for consumer use this summer in Japan, though no word was mentioned on when it would arrive Down Under, across the pond or on US soil.
jesus man, UGLY.
Is it possible to make an eco-friendly car that doesn't look like a gay space ship?
On the plus side, nobody will even think of stealing it.
I think the same.
To be eco is not equal to be a gay.
All of the car companies (except Tesla, the Toyota Camry, and big SUV hybrids that don't count) are designing these overly aerodynamic vehicles. When they should just be modifying existing cars. Take a lightweight, cheap car, and throw a battery pack and a motor in it. Sell it for a decent price, have it get 25-40 miles per day, and warranty/lease the batteries for 4-6 years, and they will sell a bunch to commuters and other city dwellers. They don't need to make the perfect car for everyone.
It's not ugly or gay. You only think so because your perception of what a vehicle is needs to change. The entire concept of individual transportation is changing and how do you drive that point home by sticking new technology in a dying form factor?
Jay - Put the bong down, cut your hair, put on some real shoes and some non-hemp clothing for a little bit. People with actual jobs and education who didn't waste their life on pot and grateful dead concerts can afford to purchase a vehicle that not only gets them from point A to B, but does it with style and with a real all-cow leather interior. They also like to east juicy steak from Bambi. Get over it, you tofu-farting fairy.
I want my sleek, sporty, flying future car dammit... not these square boxes with tiny wheels and overly bulbous features. Honestly, I'd love a low to the ground, single seat in the middle with 4 wheels on each corner vehicle for my daily commute. I don't have to haul kids, refrigerators, or any other nonsense with me to work. Just me, and maybe a small trunk for my luggage when I fly.
Something anything like the following concepts:
http://100percentcar.com/?p=788
http://blog.templates.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/2007-peugeot-concours-de-design-cub-1280x960.jpg
http://blog.templates.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/2007-peugeot-concours-de-design-peugeot-plaire-1024x768.jpg
I want to be able to take it out to a mountain road and have fun with it too. Getting on or off a highway exit ramp at more than 25MPH is a must. If I feel like the car is going to flip over, it's not right.
@ Bakari
I'm with you on that one, first thing I thought of was why do all new eco-friendly cars look the same: like a malformed egg with wheels. Why can't they make them look like the Tesla or Fisker cars - sporty, slimline, with the look of being very aerodynamic. To each his own I guess.
Where is Jason!?
I dunno. This one has been bugging me all morning.
Behind the front wheel maybe? I mean in the wheel well in the background behind the tire?
With regards to emissions, does anyone ever take into account the power plants that generated the electricity that is used to charge the car?
If you have a solar charger that's one thing, but if you are connected to coal or gas powered plants, they are producing emissions on your behalf.
Yes.
Because these cars are very lightweight, low-energy, aerodynamic, and otherwise efficient (they have to be, because battery technology is crap) they'll still cause less CO2 emissions. But of course you're right that it isn't really zero.
If targets are achieved and grid energy becomes less dependent on CO2 emission (i.e. more renewables and nuclear, less coal), of course the emissions caused by an electric car reduce further still. In addition, low-carbon generation (nuclear, wind) is active at night when there is less electricity demand so coal/gas-powered stations may not be running - charge your car then, and you'll see less CO2 emitted per unit of electricity.
Of course, the most effective way for an individual to reduce emissions they cause from transport doesn't involve fancy gadgets - it involves moving near where they work so that they can walk or cycle.
Why do most of the car companies going this route make them look like....that? Perhaps if they made it actually desireable to people like me who want to drive sports cars (but don't have Tesla kind of money), more people like me would adopt them for their next car. I rue the day when we our cars are no longer an expression of our tastes and styles. '57 Chevy? Classic. That? Utterly forgettable. In a world where everyone is addidcted to style and form (ala Apple), why not make something better, or just use the same models they already have with new engines and drivetrains?
It simple isn't zero emissions. How is it built (from materials the come from where and are processed how?) and delivered to you?
... Suppose there will be more designs and color on the future, when this technology gets more development...
you know those tires will last about 2 days in nyc... why dont they ever do real world testing?
Err...New Guinea Pig?
Guys Guys Guys!
This is not a new car - and it sells extremely well in the markets it is available. It's been on the market since 2007 in Asia, South Pacific and since 2008 in some parts of Europe.
It's basically a 4 door version of the 1st gen Smart For Two, with the same engine/ passenger configuration.
What's new about the one they are talking about here is it will be fully electric not gasoline powered.
So, cut it with all the "this is too futuristic and ugly" stuff this car is old news and a great seller for Mitsubishi.
There are other countries in the world besides USA!
If you want to check it out - do a Google image search for Mitsubishi icar