Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Monday, Mitsubishi Motor Corporation announced a new project out of their Canadian sales unit that is sure to shine a spotlight on the viability of electric vehicles (EVs). In what is being called “largest electric fleet in Canadian history by AllCarsElectric.com, Mitsubishi and Hydro Quebec have partnered together to bring a fleet of 50 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs to the City of Boucherville.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car - interior - December 2008

Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car - interior - December 2008

This pilot program was also announced at the Montreal International Auto Show and is aimed at exposing fleet drivers in Boucherville and other approved companies to the electric minicar for a full season of weather and other urban conditions. . "Hydro-Québec is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by playing a key role in the electrification of transportation. This trial is designed to study the vehicles' charging behaviour, driving experience as well as overall driver satisfaction. It will also allow Hydro-Québec to evaluate the challenges involved in integrating electric vehicles into its grid,” said Thierry Vandal, President and CEO Hydro-Québec.

It is safe to say that we will be seeing more of these types of projects in the next five years. As it is, we already know that MINI has been real world testing their MINI-E (more here) and France is going to be testing a Smart ForTwo EV (more here). No doubt this is a good to be in the green side of the car industry and in the words of the Mayor of Boucherville, “This is a truly exciting project for the City of Boucherville."

Be sure to check out the coverage on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV fleet over at AllCarsElectric.com to get their impression and read the full press release.