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I was flipping through channels and saw ESPN2 had a program called "Drive" on. They went to the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show and showcased all the cool new cars.

Lots of hybrids, long-range EVs, and small, fuel-efficient vehicles. Including a PHEV due out in 2010 by Mitsubishi. It's farther along than the Volt, but you won't hear about (or get) it over here.

I'm not sure whether to be awed or enraged. The USA is getting screwed. Anybody know what I'd have to go through to import a JDM car?

Hi WH:

___Look up the Mitsubishi MiEV and you should gather some more insight as to their BEV plans? I had high hopes for a Colt EV years ago but alas, I have been waiting in vain for all these years :(

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Mitsubishi_Colt_EV.jpg
Colt EV

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Mitsubishi_-_MIEV_Concept.jpg
iMiEV Concept

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Mitsubishi_iMiEV_L.jpg
iMiEV – L

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Mitsu_i_car.jpg
Another of the same

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Mitsubishi_iMiEV_Sport_L.jpg
iMiEV Sport

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Mitsubishi_Li-Ion_Battery_Cel_and_Pack.jpg
Mitsubishi’s Li-Ion pack

___Cuchulain has a nice write-up about EV’s in the article section (Kanagawa, Japan is leading the way in fast-charge electric vehicles (EV’s) (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5412)) and some discussion in the EV forum as well?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

You know what I'd like? To be able to buy a kei car in the USA!

Maybe there would be more demand for these kinds of vehicles and you were charged less in taxes when you bought the car, licensed the car and were able to park in more places like you can in Japan. Even in Japan many people don't like driving kei cars because they get bullied on the road by larger cars, but for some the benefits and cost savings out weigh the downsides. In NA we have virtually no benefits to owning a small car besides initial cost and fuel savings.

I'm interested in seeing more of those little Mitsu's and the iQs the next time we go to Japan. They have so many more choices there, it's overwhelming.

Subaru switched their EV platform program from the two door R1e (I did see one on the road in Yokohama last week) to the 4 door hatchback Stella plug-in (no ICE), basically EV specs are the same. The word in Japan is they will discontinue the gasoline R1 and R2s. They are chasing a large Japan Post EV contract where the 4door will probably become a mini van

Some more announcements of installation of rapid chargers along the Tokyo-Yokohama route, at Tokyo station and at two gasoline stations in Kanagawa Prefecture to add to those already installed at two expressway service areas and at prefectural offices. Also a battery exchange station will be set up in Kanagawa as part of an Environment Ministry/BetterPlace test program.

Good Luck
Andrew

Subaru switched their EV platform program from the two door R1e (I did see one on the road in Yokohama last week) to the 4 door hatchback Stella plug-in (no ICE), basically EV specs are the same. The word in Japan is they will discontinue the gasoline R1 and R2s. They are chasing a large Japan Post EV contract where the 4door will probably become a mini van

Some more announcements of installation of rapid chargers along the Tokyo-Yokohama route, at Tokyo station and at two gasoline stations in Kanagawa Prefecture to add to those already installed at two expressway service areas and at prefectural offices. Also a battery exchange station will be set up in Kanagawa as part of an Environment Ministry/BetterPlace test program.

Good Luck
Andrew

It's amazing to see how progressive other countries are compared to Canada.

Thanks for all the info. Do you live in Kanagawa prefecture?