Carmakers roll out electric models

DOMINION POST

PLUGGING IN: Lloyd Robinson, from Mitsubishi Motors, prepares to demonstrate recharging the iMiEV during a promotion in Wellington.

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The future of fully electric cars is a step closer, with two motoring giants introducing their development models and each camp touting their vehicle as the superior model.

However, the Automobile Association has advised that neither model has yet gained a safety rating, a crucial requirement if they are to be driven on New Zealand roads.

Hyundai's Electrons Getz model, retrofitted with batteries and an electric motor, was officially introduced this week, hours before a prototype Mitsubishi iMiEV was unveiled at Wellington's Karori Sanctuary.

Both vehicles can be charged at a normal power point.

AA general manager of technical services Stella Stocks said yesterday that it was keeping a "watching brief" on the introduction of electric cars.

"Our main concern is for their safety," she said. "The biggest question will always be what is its safety rating?"

Stocks said electric cars weighed significantly less than conventional cars, were quiet and therefore a risk to pedestrians.

The frontal-impact safety of the cars had not been tested.

Mitsubishi New Zealand managing director John Leighton said its model would probably go on sale next year.

The price was yet to be set.

Hyundai Motors New Zealand executive director Philip Eustace said three Electrons had been sold before this week's official introduction.

- © Fairfax NZ News