Mia Microbus UK debut
Little-known manufacturer Mia Electric will be bringing its Microbus electric vehicle range to the UK for the first time next month. The occasion is the EcoVelocity motor show, which takes place at Battersea Power Station from 8th to 11th September.
The company is majority German-owned but has its production facility in Cerizay, France. Mia Electric sees the UK as a priority along with its two home markets, and it’s aiming for a build rate of 14,000 units per year by the end of 2012.
At least there won’t be any need to convert the Microbus to right-hand drive, because it has a central driving position. Three versions are available: a standard three-seat short wheelbase model, the longer four-seat ‘L’ and a van which has a 1,500 litre cargo capacity.
Remarkably, the Microbus weighs just 750 kg (1,653 lbs), with the longer models tipping the scales at 759 kg (1,673 lbs). Such lightness means that the top speed of 68 mph (110 km/h) can be achieved using a fairly puny 24 bhp (18 kW / 24 PS) electric motor. With its 12 kWh lithium ion phosphate battery pack, expected range is 75 to 80 miles (120 to 130 km).
Recharging from flat takes five hours, but the design of the battery also means that it can take short top-ups without any adverse long-term consequences.
UK prices for the Microbus will start from £27,000, although Mia Electric is saying that it will qualify for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant, which would reduce the cost by £5,000.
For the moment, however, the model isn’t included on the Department for Transport’s eligibility list, so that issue would definitely be worth checking before placing an order. Certainly the van version won’t be entitled to any grant, as commercial vehicles are specifically excluded from the scheme.
Related post:
Nine electric cars get grant
The company is majority German-owned but has its production facility in Cerizay, France. Mia Electric sees the UK as a priority along with its two home markets, and it’s aiming for a build rate of 14,000 units per year by the end of 2012.
At least there won’t be any need to convert the Microbus to right-hand drive, because it has a central driving position. Three versions are available: a standard three-seat short wheelbase model, the longer four-seat ‘L’ and a van which has a 1,500 litre cargo capacity.
Remarkably, the Microbus weighs just 750 kg (1,653 lbs), with the longer models tipping the scales at 759 kg (1,673 lbs). Such lightness means that the top speed of 68 mph (110 km/h) can be achieved using a fairly puny 24 bhp (18 kW / 24 PS) electric motor. With its 12 kWh lithium ion phosphate battery pack, expected range is 75 to 80 miles (120 to 130 km).
Recharging from flat takes five hours, but the design of the battery also means that it can take short top-ups without any adverse long-term consequences.
UK prices for the Microbus will start from £27,000, although Mia Electric is saying that it will qualify for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant, which would reduce the cost by £5,000.
For the moment, however, the model isn’t included on the Department for Transport’s eligibility list, so that issue would definitely be worth checking before placing an order. Certainly the van version won’t be entitled to any grant, as commercial vehicles are specifically excluded from the scheme.
Related post:
Nine electric cars get grant
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