Electric cars make up a very small percentage of the cars on the roads , but there is no doubt that the EV trend is growing. Terms that were once foreign sounding, like EcoBoost and Hybrid, have now softened the path for more efficient vehicles. As people have gotten used to the notion of alternative technologies and hybrids have become more common place, the market now seems more capable of supporting plug-in electric vehicles. The concept of the EV is spreading and Buyers are becoming more receptive.
Mitsubishi i MiEV
Mitsubishi is now set to join the green ranks of Toyota, Nissan and Chevy with their new plug-in all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV. This latest newcomer to the EV market boasts the best efficiency yet with 112 MPGe. Mitsubishi is able to get this large mileage figure because of their new MiEV operating system. The MiEV OS regulates and controls all power throughout the car. It also regulates and distributes the energy collected from the regenerative braking system. As with the Nissan Leaf, the vehicle is small and the framework is slight, but the EV seats 4 comfortably. The Mitsubishi i MiEV will be available in the U.S. in early 2012 and will certainly put Mitsubishi in the EV game.
Mitsubishi PX-MiEV II Concept
Mitsubishi is also taking a cue from the Chevrolet Volt and taking it one step further with the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II. The PX-MiEV II is a hybrid SUV that uses Mitsubishi's MiEV OS technology in conjunction with a conventional engine to achieve an incredible 141 mpg and giving it a range of more than 500 miles. Mitsubishi boasts that the hybrid has the acceleration of a 3.0L V6 engine. Putting this model into production could really put Mitsubishi ahead of the game. The PX-MiEV II made its world debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.
Mitsubishi in the EV Market
The Nissan Leaf comes in behind the Mitsubishi i MiEV in efficiency with 99 MPGe, but is likely to outsell the Mitsubishi at least in the beginning. The Leaf already has some time in the market under its belt, along with a more sturdy appearance. These attributes will likely bode well with buyers over the Mitsubishi. However, for some buyers, the overall best efficiency of the Mitsubishi i MiEV may win out.
Exponential Growth
Despite the resistance of many buyers, the EV market is likely to move in strong over the next decade. As more car makers offer more all-electric EV models, EV sales will grow. Onboard high tech gadgetry, along with more models to chose from will help to make the EV more desirable to consumers. It is entirely possible that within two decades there could be more EV models offered than traditional engines. At that point the EV will start to outnumber the gas guzzlers on the roads.