Tokyo preview: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept

Mitsubishi first took the wraps off its i-MiEV Cargo concept before the official unveiling at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. Designed to uphold Mitsubishi's new green initiative, the i-MiEV Cargo is based on the all-electric i-MiEV, but adds a healthy dose of cargo capacity.



The i-MiEV Cargo concept is highlighted by its curvaceous front end and boxy rear-quarters. The concepts front half is straight from the i-MiEV, while the boxy rear half was designed to offer the maximum amount of cargo capacity.

Offering over 60 cubic feet of cargo storage - and a completely flat storage floor - the -MiEV is intended for small business that also want to keep an eye on the environment. No battery specs were revealed with the concept, but the city deliverer will likely carry an all-electric range of at least 80 miles. Mitsubishi also says that is has worked with several power companies to develop system that can recharge the batteries to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.

Mitsubishi hasn't announced any production plans for the i-MiEV Cargo, but we'd be surprised to see the EV sit on the sideline for long. Mitsubishi typically uses the i-designation - as with the production-bound i-MiEV - to indicate production intent. Should the i-MiEV Cargo enter production it would be facing competition from the Ford Transit Connect Electric, which is set to go on sale in 2011.