Report: Mitsubishi Motors to Supply i MiEV to PSA Peugeot Citroën

7 January 2009

The Nikkei reports that Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will supply i MiEV electric vehicles (earlier post) to PSA Peugeot Citroën Group beginning as early as next year.

In June 2008, the two companies had agreed to start a feasibility study on an extended technical collaboration in the field of electric powertrains with an immediate focus on the development, manufacture and use of a powertrain for small urban electric vehicles. (Earlier post.)

Mitsubishi Motors will provide its i MiEV passenger car on an OEM basis...The supply arrangement will enable the Japanese automaker to access PSA Peugeot Citroen's extensive sales network throughout Europe. Selling electric cars under its own brand will help the French group make inroads into the market for green vehicles.

Mitsubishi Motors had envisioned producing 2,000 i MiEVs in fiscal 2009, ramping up to 4,000 and 10,000 units in the following two years. With plans to make more than 10,000 vehicles on behalf of the French group from 2011, output will double from initial estimates. The resulting increased production will help to lower costs and boost competitiveness.

The i MiEV is powered by a 16kWh Li-ion battery pack from Lithium Energy Japan—a joint venture between GS Yuasa Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). (Earlier post.)

Lithium Energy Japan recently began construction of a plant with an initial annual production capacity of about 1 million cells—enough for 10,000 vehicles. The company was planning to add a second plant and double output by 2012. (Earlier post.)

The French government is providing subsidies of up to €5,000 (US$6,800) for consumers who purchase electric cars; the UK and Germany are also offering incentives.