Mitsubishi to supply PSA Peugeot Citroen with electric vehicle for European market

Following an electric vehicle joint-study between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi last June, the two companies have reportedly decided to share electric vehicle technologies. The new deal will see PSA Peugeot Citroen selling a re-badged version of Mitsubishi's i-Miev electric car in European markets.

According to Japan's Nikkei business daily, Mitsubishi will supply PSA to the tune of 10,000 i-Miev vehicles a year, beginning in 2011. The majority of those cars will be sold in France, although PSA will market the i-Miev in several other European markets. The French government has already announced a plan to offer a â,¬5,000 tax credit to electric vehicle buyers.

Mitsubishi plans to have its i-Miev to the Japanese market by mid-2010. Although PSA's version will be sold exclusively in Europe, Mitsubishi will also be marketing the EV in the European market, likely around late 2010 or early 2011.

The i-Miev will feature a 63 horsepower electric motor, with a lithium-ion battery pack supplying power. Range is said to be about 100 miles, with a full charge on a typical outlet taking about 7-hours. However, "˜quick charge' stations are currently under development, which should provide an 80 percent charge in just 35 minutes.

There are no current plans to sell the i-Miev in the U.S., but Mitsubishi will be testing the electric four-seater in California.