Mitsubishi, Hydro-Québec launch i-MiEV trials

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC - Hydro-Québec and Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. are pleased to announce that the first five all-electric i-MiEVs have arrived in Boucherville and are currently being prepared for their new drivers.

Once installation of the data logging equipment that will be used during the trials is complete, Boucherville Mayor, Jean Martel, and employees from the City of Boucherville, the Centre de santé et de services sociaux Pierre-Boucher and Hydro-Québec will be able to pick up the test vehicles, just in time for the holidays.

Boucherville Mayor, Jean Martel, was delighted to announce his personal participation in the project. "I am pleased to be one of the first users of the i-MIEV car in Quebec. By participating in this project, I feel I'm contributing to technological progress that will enable all of us to live in a cleaner world and breathe healthier air. My daughters are really happy that we're doing something for our future. I wish the project great success and would like to thank everyone who is actively involved."

Hydro-Québec will be leading the road tests that aim to evaluate the performance of up to 50 all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs under a variety of circumstances, notably winter conditions. The project, that was announced at the Montreal International Auto Show in 2010, is designed to study the users' charging habits, driving experience and overall satisfaction as well as vehicle behaviour when interfaced with the electric grid.

"We are delighted to be at the heart of the largest electric vehicle trial in Canada," stated Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Senior Director, Strategic Planning and Government Affairs with Hydro-Québec. "Data collected during the tests will help Hydro-Québec plan the future electric vehicle public charging infrastructure which is one of our priorities."

Mr. Koji Soga, President and CEO of MMSCAN, had this to say: "This is truly an exciting project for Mitsubishi Motors of Canada, we are looking forward to the partnership. The data that we will collect over the following months will allow us to ensure our state of the art electric technology is ready for the Canadian market."

Indeed, the first five drivers will be able to get acquainted with their new i-MiEVs over the holidays. Media are invited to stay tuned as the details surrounding the application process for the second phase of the trial project will be announced in January, 2011.