LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors
North America, Inc., (MMNA) is proud to announce that the nation's
largest electronics retailer and tech services provider, Best Buy
Co., Inc., and power management company, Eaton Corporation (NYSE:
ETN), will collaborate with Mitsubishi Motors to help facilitate
and enhance electric vehicle ownership for the automotive
consumer.
For residential electric vehicle customers, Best Buy's Geek
Squad will provide site analysis and work to manage electrical home
infrastructural upgrading and installation by licensed electrical
contractors of Eaton's advanced Level 2 (220V) charging hardware
for Mitsubishi's "i" powered by MiEV electric vehicle, which goes
on sale in fall of 2011.
In addition, Eaton will provide both the electrical
infrastructural support and Level 2 chargers to MMNA's dealerships.
These 220V (15A) charging stations can be installed in a home's
garage and help reduce the charging time of Mitsubishi's
lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle by 50% versus a standard 110V
electrical outlet. Given its battery size, Mitsubishi "i" customers
can have the choice of only applying existing Level 1 (110V outlet)
equipment, or the faster Level 2 charging which can affect a
complete charge in about 7 hours.
"This rounds out our pre launch plans for the new Mitsubishi "i"
model. It represents the best of both worlds combining Eaton
quality and reliance, with Best Buy service and customer care for
both dealers and our customers. We are happy that they have joined
us in our efforts," said Shinichi
Kurihara, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors North
America, Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Best Buy, through the company's Geek Squad - a nationwide
24-hour task force of more than 20,000 highly skilled technicians -
will perform site analysis and is working to install the Level 2
Charging Station equipment designed and manufactured by Eaton
Corporation. Along with the Charging Station analysis, Geek Squad
can also offer consumers a home energy survey to determine current
power consumption and potential areas where savings may be found.
Through Best Buy's retail and web expertise, MMNA hopes to offer
the customer a smooth, reliable process to help resolve potential
home infrastructure challenges that could present obstacles to EV
ownership. Best Buy will be a face of Mitsubishi Motors for "i"
customers in situations requiring residential infrastructure
enhancement or charger installation.
"We're delighted to join Mitsubishi and Eaton to deliver a
convenient solution for consumers who may have hesitated to
purchase an electric vehicle simply because of recharging
concerns," said Chad Bell, senior
director of the New Business Solutions Group at Best Buy. "As
more people gravitate toward electric-powered transportation, home
energy management becomes an important consideration, and Best Buy
intends to be actively engaged in delivering the convenient,
easy-to-access solutions."
Best Buy's Geek Squad is already familiar with the Mitsubishi
"i" as its task force has been utilizing several of the efficient
and roomy all-electric vehicles in its mobile fleet since
November 2009 in a test run with the
Japanese automobile manufacturer.
Eaton Corporation
Eaton, a provider of innovative power management solutions to a
global customer base, will design and manufacture the Level 2
Charging Station equipment that will be sold and distributed by
Best Buy retailers to support Mitsubishi Motors customers. This
Level 2 (220V) charger is the first Mitsubishi Motors endorsed
charger for the electric-powered "i" model in North America. During development, such
charging hardware is thoroughly tested to verify communication with
the "i" model's complex computer controls that monitor charging,
charge rate and battery temperature, among other variables, that
determine effective charging.
Eaton will be the sole supplier and installer of Level 2
charging stations required at Mitsubishi Motors' dealers that will
be supporting the "i" retail effort. With its long history of
providing industrial power management solutions, Eaton is well
qualified in this capacity since it has been developing innovative
hybrid and electrical power systems (including electric vehicle
charging infrastructure) for commercial vehicles for more than 20
years. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products
to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information,
visit eaton.com/plugin.
"Eaton, Mitsubishi and Best Buy are leading the way to create
innovative and affordable technologies that help customers reduce
their impact on the environment," said Rich
Stinson, president, Power Distribution Operations –
Americas, Eaton's Electrical Sector. "This collaboration
highlights Eaton's ability to support the electrical vehicle
charging infrastructure necessary to assist electric vehicle
drivers to confidently go about their daily business, without being
worried about where and when they will charge their vehicles."
About Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for
all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and
development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes,
convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks
through a network of approximately 420 dealers. For more
information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888)
560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
SOURCE Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.