Zoomi Life

We promised when we mentioned the debuts at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show that we’d get into more detail with some of them. Mitsubishi’s concept they’re calling the PX MiEV was one of those. This is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) styled as a crossover SUV/sedan.

Read More: The New Mitsubishi PX MiEV Plug-in Hybrid Concept SUV

Officially opening on October 24, the Tokyo Motor Show is already getting in the news as a few participants make early announcements about what they’ll be showcasing at the East’s largest auto event. So far, interesting stuff from Suzuki, Mitsubishi, and Honda have been announced.

Read More: Tokyo Motor Show 2009: Early Announcements for Participants Are Enticing

For some reason I can’t really figure out, a lot of electric vehicle industry buzz surrounds the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The little battery electric gets a lot of attention. I haven’t figured out why either, because these cars are ugly, only kind of impressive in performance, and don’t exactly have much about them that says “safe.”

Read More: Want an i-MiEV? Sucks to Be You Then. They’re Sold Out

The Frankfurt Motor Show is shaping up to be a big one with a lot of European and Asian models debuting, especially as car makers perfect their 2010 models for introduction. This year has several great options in EVs and hybrids.

Read More: New Cars Introduced at Frankfurt Motor Show

A guy in New Zealand named Gavin Shoebridge decided to convert a car into an electric vehicle. His neighbors thought he was nuts, but he decided to go through with it. He didn’t know a single thing about EV or conversions, but that rarely stops most of those who undertake this kind of thing. Right?

Read More: New Zealand’s Kiwi EV Conversion Project Completed

The Japanese government and the city of Tokyo, Japan are teaming with Better Place to test the viability of electric taxi cabs in the city. These taxis are slated to hit the roads as early as January and will utilize Better Place’s battery-swapping system to keep the taxis running 24/7.

Read More: Tokyo Testing Electric Taxis

Mitsubishi launched the series production of the iMiEV on June 5 and along with it came pictures of the actual production model for the little car. The first batch of cars are to be leased to fleets in July (commercial and governmental) and consumer vehicles won’t be available until next year, and then only in Japan.

Read More: Mitsubishi Releases iMiEV Final Production Model & Photos

The little electric car that could is turning out to be the Mitsubishi i MiEV, which released a year ahead of schedule in Japan and is slated for release under the Citroen and Peugeot brands in Europe. Because of strong demand in Japan, the little car’s target production numbers are being increased as the first 2,000 cars sold out quickly.

Read More: Mitsubishi Increasing i MiEV Production to Meet High Demand

In 2007, this concept was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show as a clean diesel machine. It was basically a small diesel engine with a variable geometry turbo and a dual-clutch transmission. If it had stayed like that, it probably would never have been mentioned on this site.

Read More: Mitsubishi’s New PHEV Concept: the cX

The World Car of the Year Awards (WCOTY) is a program organized and conducted by automotive journalists from around the world. Every year, they select their favorite vehicles in various categories, including Green (environmental).

Read More: World Green Car of the Year Finalists