Peugeot has released a picture of its version of the rebadged Mitsubishi i-MiEV which will be called the Ion when it goes on sale at the end of 2010, reflecting the use of lithium-ion batteries.
Peugeot claims to have sold the largest number of ‘zero emissions’ cars – it built an electric 106 from 1995 to 2003.
“Supported by this history, the lion brand intends to continue as a major player in the new market of electric vehicles,” it said.
The Ion, little changed from the Mitsubishi original, will be offered to both retail and fleet customers. It has a 130km range, the batteries recharge in six hours and can be 80% charged in 30 minutes.
The PSA model (there will also be a Citroen edition) will have a ‘localised communication unit’ combining the existing emergency call system with data transfer (battery status, distance covered, distance to travel before maintenance is due, etc) “thus providing assistance in the business management of fleet vehicles”.
