Fuji Heavy Showcases New Electric Vehicle Prototype

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) unveiled its four-seat electric vehicle (EV), the Plug-in STELLA Concept car, on June 27, 2008, a prototype vehicle that will go into full-scale production and sales in 2009.

The company provided five of the Plug-in STELLA cars for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit, held from July 7 to 9. One was made available for test-drives at the Environmental Showcase, an exhibition and demonstration area in the Summit's International Media Center. The car runs on lithium-ion batteries and is chargeable using an external power source. Its maximum speed is 100 kilometers per hour, with a driving distance per charge of 80 kilometers.

FHI is engaged in the research and development of EVs that produce zero emissions while running, one of the key future technologies for reducing environmental burdens. The company is currently conducting road tests with 40 EVs, in cooperation with Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Kanagawa Prefecture, in preparation for the vehicle's market launch.

http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/contents/pdf_en_46430.pdf

Posted: 2008/10/30 05:37:58 PM