Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. is supporting the University of Southern California (USC) and its Viterbi School of Engineering as it develops a campus-wide smart grid 'living laboratory' project, which includes the use of Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicles (EVs).
The Mitsubishi/USC EV Smart Grid Demonstration Project aims to further develop and improve all phases of EV infrastructure to accommodate widespread EV usage in the future.
"This project will help cities of all sizes develop a very cost-effective electric vehicle infrastructure game plan for drivers of 100% electric-powered vehicles, including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV," said Yoichi Yokozawa, president & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America.
Developed by the USC Energy Institute, this program will simulate a city with a population between 50,000 to 60,000 citizens, tourists and visitors, as well as two hospitals, as they document their experiences operating a fleet of EVs under a range of conditions and simulations over a period of two years.
Mitsubishi Motors will provide a total of 12 i-MiEV vehicles, several Level 2 EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) charging systems, and consult with the university throughout the course of the research program.
