Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Unveils as the SUV i-MiEV at the LA Auto Show

In brief: With the recent opening of sales in Japan for the i-MiEV, Mitsubishi unveiled the PX-MiEV, the little electric car's SUV cousin.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: PX-MiEV
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi

The word

The PX-MiEV (earlier story) is both a series and parallel hybrid plug-in. During normal operations, the PX is a series hybrid, with propulsion coming only from the electric motors and the engine only engaging to generate power to replenish the battery packs.

At higher speeds (75mph+), things change and a clutch engages the ICE, which then drives the front wheels with the electric motors at rear providing boost.

An electronic yaw control provides the vehicle with knowledge of when the ICE is needed for propulsion as well as which wheel requires traction control. It also acts as a controller to synch the motors and engine.

And so ...

Mitsubishi is putting a 2013 date on this concept's production. It's sure that more information will be forthcoming before then.

Photo credits: Mitsubishi