The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan back in March inspired Mitsubishi to use the power of its i-MiEV electric car for other things than simply getting from point A to B.
They fitted a 100-volt external outlet that will allow owners to plug and run a variety of electronic devices, turning their daily car into a dependable survival tool.
In the event of a major disaster, people with access to a Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be able to boil water, eat hot food and maintain a lifeline to the outside world while waiting for a rescue team. Total battery capacity ranges from 10 to 36 hours.
Some will argue that similar aftermarket systems, including inverters, already serve that purpose, making Mitsubishi's technology irrelevant. However, the company claims its innovation has two distinct advantages. First, it will allow devices to plug directly into the i-MiEV – from the outside, not just the inside – and second, it will accommodate appliances that need more power than a 12-volt outlet can handle.
Mitsubishi already had this device in the works, but moved up the production timeline because of the earthquake and tsunami that left many in Japan without power. Apparently, a number of them said they wished for a device that would allow them to cook rice, among other things.
The name and price have yet to be determined, but we bet camping and tailgate party enthusiasts will be interested as well.
Source:All Cars Electric via The Car Connection
They fitted a 100-volt external outlet that will allow owners to plug and run a variety of electronic devices, turning their daily car into a dependable survival tool.
In the event of a major disaster, people with access to a Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be able to boil water, eat hot food and maintain a lifeline to the outside world while waiting for a rescue team. Total battery capacity ranges from 10 to 36 hours.
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| Photo: Mathieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
Some will argue that similar aftermarket systems, including inverters, already serve that purpose, making Mitsubishi's technology irrelevant. However, the company claims its innovation has two distinct advantages. First, it will allow devices to plug directly into the i-MiEV – from the outside, not just the inside – and second, it will accommodate appliances that need more power than a 12-volt outlet can handle.
Mitsubishi already had this device in the works, but moved up the production timeline because of the earthquake and tsunami that left many in Japan without power. Apparently, a number of them said they wished for a device that would allow them to cook rice, among other things.
The name and price have yet to be determined, but we bet camping and tailgate party enthusiasts will be interested as well.
Source:All Cars Electric via The Car Connection