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  Mitsubishi Australia has been pushing hard to bring the high-tech i-MIEV hatch to Australia early next year. Photo Gallery

Federal Government inaction could short circuit the local launch of a high-tech zero emission electric car from Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp executives in Japan have cast doubts over the rollout of the car to Australian buyers as early as next year.  Mitsubishi Australia has been pushing hard to bring the high-tech i-MIEV hatch early next year after a positive local response to the car several months ago.

But the president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Osamu Masuko, said an export deal has not been signed.  His views were backed up yesterday by the company2s managing director in charge of overseas operations, Kazuyuki Kikuchi.

"We do have to look at the support from the governments involved, also because the technology is new and requires a totally different type of infrastructure," Kikuchi said.  "We also need to see the development of those infrastructures in the markets the vehicle will be sold in.  Our electric car business department is looking at the introduction but unfortunately to date we have not seen any strong move from the government about infrastructure or support mechanisms."

Unlike France and Norway and other European countries, Australia is not providing incentives to help the rollout of electric infrastructure or even tax incentives for electric cars.  The i-MIEV hatch will not be cheap, with a price expected to be close to $70,000.

Mitsubishi Australia boss, Rob McEniry, said the company has had strong support from State governments and various local councils, as well as private companies who want the car.  He said the company was still on track to launch the car, despite Japan2s concerns.

"We have heard nothing to the contrary that we won2t be able to get it," he said.  The i-MIEV hatch will not be cheap, with its price expected to be close to $70,000.  It has a range of 160km and can be recharged to full power overnight or via a fast-charging station that can provide 80 per cent capacity in just 45 minutes.