Mazda Demio EV Prototype Targets 200KM Range – Prototypes Testing

Mazda revealed its EV prototype based on its Demio model at a public event on July 25th in Japan. This test vehicle has lithium ion batteries fitted in the engine bay, and Mazda’s aim is that a full charge should give this car a range of 200 KM or so.

The two prototypes are about 10% heavier than a regular ICE-powered Demio, and their 300 to 400V batteries take between 7 and 8 hours to get a full charge. The first task for these cars will be ferrying local dignitaries to the reopening of the Miyajima Aquarium on August 1st, after which they will be a regular sight on the streets around Hiroshima as they carry out shake down testing in real word driving conditions. The Demio EV is expected to go on sale in Spring of 2012.

Sources: Nikkei, Chugoku Shinbun (both Japanese-language)