Plans for new petrol-electric hybrid car from Mitsubishi could make fuel cell vehicles more viable, the Japanese car manufacturer.

A petrol engine used in conjunction with four electric motors within the wheels will power the company's CT MIEV vehicle.

Mitsubishi claims this unique technology allows space for the vehicle's battery system, or further down the line, fuel cell stacks and hydrogen tanks.

It is hoped the car will be available to the Japanese market by 2010.

The company told American International Automobile Dealers that the car "provides a glimpse into the future of the next generation electric vehicles".

A number of manufacturers are currently toying with hybrid vehicles but all are some way behind market leader, Toyota, whose Prius model has been extremely popular with consumers since its launch in 1997.

The CT MIEV will go on display at the week-long North American International Auto Show held in Detroit from January 14th.




Ÿ Adfero Ltd