Euro NCAP Conducts its First Ever Plug-in EV Crash Test with the i-MiEV and Gives it Four-Stars

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the first ever plug-in electric vehicle to be tested by Euro NCAP and marks the start of a series of EV crash-tests planned for this year. Besides the i-MiEV, the European safety institute also rated five conventional models: the BMW X1, Hyundai ix20, Dacia Duster, Mitsubishi ASX and Nissan Juke.

The EV obtained an overall four star rating, the same score being awarded to the i-MiEV's sister models, the Citroen C-Zero and Peugeot iOn, which have the same design and safety equipment. The result was judged as "creditable" by the Euro NCAP.

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Geneva Show: Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air Concept

Based on the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive electric version of the i MiEV tiny city car, Mitsubishi's Sport Air Concept is a further development of the homonymous 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon show car. The i MiEV Sport Air uses a more powerful version of Mitsubishi's permanent magnet synchronous electric motor generating 60 kW or 80HP of power (vs. the i MiEV's 47 kW or 63HP) and 230 Nm of torque (180 Nm.)

Mitsubishi Prototype i MiEV Concept Previews Euro-Spec Electric Mini

This is a drawing of Mitsubishi's Prototype i MiEV concept car that we'll see making its debut next to the i MiEV SPORT 'AIR' concept at the Geneva Show which runs from March 3 through March 15. The Prototype i MiEV is in essence a study on a potential European-spec version of the Japanese firm's all-electric mini car that introduces left-hand-drive to the equation.

The latest iteration of the i MiEV also features wider tracks and longer overhangs compared to the right-hand-drive Japanese model that is set be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.

Even though Mitsubishi has yet to make a final decision as to whether or when the all-electric mini car will be launched in the European market, the company said that it is currently conducting a feasibility test on this concept in the 'Old Continent'.