Mitsubishi Motors would provide 10 i MiEVelectric vehicles for official use at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. The electric vehicles will be used as transport for visiting world leaders and members of the media. Mitsubishi Motors will launch the i MiEV electric vehicle next year in Japan, as part of its plan to help reduce global warming and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The i MiEV is based on the “i” minicar, and utilizes a large-capacity lithium-ion battery and a compact, high-output electric motor in place of the traditional power train.

At present, Mitsubishi Motors is conducting fleet tests in cooperation with several domestic electric power companies, in order to make electric vehicles a common sight on Japan's roads as soon as possible. Plans are also under way to begin fleet testing of the i MiEV at more than one U.S. power company as early as this fall.