The main idea behind this concept was to create a global vehicle that could be launched on all the markets. The Mitsubishi Concept UP-MIEV (where UP stands for Urban Pickup) combines the MIEV technology (Mitsubishi In-Wheel Electric Vehicle) with a small thermal three cylinders engine with a displacement of 1000 cc, that recharges the lithium-ion batteries and contributes to the propulsion.

The batteries are located beneath the floor structure, while the engine is placed just before the rear axle allowing for a rear cargo box featuring a cover that serves as a loading floor.

The rear end features a modular load area that can be customized to suit different needs: the vehicle body can be transformed into a pick-up or a station-wagon by rotating the rear roof sections and sliding the rear windows.

Despite the compact dimensions (4095 mm in length) the UP-MIEV concept has a load capacity similar to the Renault Espace.

The same technology was shown on some recent concept cars: the Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV and the Mitsubishi Concept-EZ MIEV.

Luis Camino is a student at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

More information and images are available on autoblog.com.es and luiscamino.com.

(Source: autoblog.com.es)