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How Electric Vehicles Could
Transform Social Systems
Climate for Electric Vehicles Set to Change Faster than Anticipated
Electric vehicles burden the environment less than gasoline vehicles. MMC believes they can also produce addi-
tional synergies in combination with social systems, notably for car sharing, tourism, and smart grids.
MMC also believes that electric vehicles could greatly transform the social structure. Electric vehicles could
lead not just to low-carbon road transportation but could also reposition the role of cars among consumers, all the
while reshaping the energy supply business and the automotive industry. MMC also considers changes to the social
structure of this kind critical to popularizing the use of electric vehicles.
The evolution of electric vehicles is accelerating through constant technological advances. They include better
battery performance and other improvements, which have lowered costs and extended cruising ranges, and con-
tactless charging technology, which has enhanced user convenience.
While MMC does not expect electric vehicles to soon replace all gasoline vehicles, the climate is such that they
have become realistic alternatives far faster than anticipated, and MMC must strive to keep abreast of this
development.
MiEV House
MMC showcased the MiEV House at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009 to highlight its vision for how electric vehicles
could transform the social structure. SHARP CORPORATION was one of 12 partners that contributed to the exhibit.
Electric vehicles could even be parked inside homes, as they produce no emissions during driving. Putting cars
inside houses would be convenient for elderly drivers and passengers, and make it easier to load and unload bag-
gage. Being able to park indoors also holds potential to make a significant contribution to healthcare for the physi-
cally challenged. As electric vehicles can link to power networks, this ability could be expected to produce new
added value.
The i-MiEV battery holds roughly the amount of power a family of four uses in one day. In the future, people
could use electricity from their cars on days when not driving to power home appliances or supply backup electric-
ity during disasters and other emergencies. MMC believes that automakers must start looking to the future to
create avenues for bringing innovation to electric vehicle-related technologies, and work to redefine the value and
roles of automobiles. Mitsubishi Motors, as a pioneer and industry leader in new-generation electric vehicles, aims
to help make electric vehicles central to society worldwide.
MiEV House
Electric vehicle parade in a sightseeing area
12
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION Annual Report 2010