Mitsubishi today announced that it would provide ten i MiEV electric vehicles for official use at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.

The electric vehicles will be used as transport for visiting world leaders and members of the media. Additionally, the vehicles will comprise one part of an on-site display and test drive.

MMC hopes that through its small contribution, attendees of the G8 Summit will find a new appreciation for the superior practicality and environmental viability of electric vehicles.

MMC will bring the i MiEV electric vehicle to market next year (2009) in Japan, as part of its plan to help reduce climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The i MiEV is based on the " i " minicar, and utilizes a large-capacity lithium-ion battery and a compact, high-output electric motor in place of the traditional powertrain.  At present, MMC is conducting fleet tests in co-operation with several domestic electric power companies, in order to make electric vehicles a common sight on Japan's roads as soon as possible.

Plans are also under way to begin fleet testing of the i MiEV at more than one U.S. power company as early as this fall.  Data about the effects of local climate and driving preferences, gathered in the aforementioned tests, will allow MMC to make meaningful progress toward bringing the i MiEV to market.