06 Jan 09 14:17
The G-Wiz urban electric car is being upgraded with a lithium-ion battery to offer greater range, less energy consumption and a shorter charging time.
Now called G-Wiz L-ion, it is now capable of 75 miles on a single charge, an improvement over the 50 miles offered by the old G-Wiz i.
The company is also introducing a fast-charge station capable of charging the G-Wiz L-ion to 90% of its total capacity in one hour, rather than the G-Wiz's normal full charging time of six hours using ordinary mains electricity. The off-board fast charge station will be offered for purchase or lease.
Chetan Maini, G-Wiz's deputy chairman and chief technology officer, said: 'The introduction of fast-charge stations really opens up the market to reach new customers and increase the availability of electric vehicles. Local authorities and businesses can now create the charging and parking infrastructure necessary to make zero-emission personal transport an everyday reality.'
The company is also developing upgrade kits that will enable existing G-Wiz i owners with an ac motor and lead acid powertrain to upgrade to the lithium-ion powertrain later in 2009.
The G-Wiz and fast charge stations will be available to pre-order in the UK from February 2009, with the first test drive vehicles and customer deliveries starting in May 2009.
