The Tokyo Motor Show opened its doors to the public on Saturday and saw Mitsubishi presenting its new PHEV concept that can supply 100V electricity for home appliances. In addition, several Japanese carmakers impressed with a wide range of hybrid and electric vehicle models: from realistic to crazy, from 1+1-seat to five-seat - there is an electric vehicle for everyone.

Mitsubishi’s PX-MiEV crossover concept is a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) that can be charged easily at home using a 120Volt or a 240Volt supply and can supply the owner’s house with electricity at the same time. If equipped with a smart grid power system, the PHEV can provide 100V electricity for home appliances that comes from the on-board lithium-ion batteries. As part of the concept "V2H (vehicle to home)," the car’s battery packs can be used as an auxiliary power source.

"It is possible to charge the batteries at night, when electricity is cheaper, and use it for home appliances during daytime," the company said and added: “The batteries of the PX-MiEV can provide almost all the electricity used in a normal household per day.”

Under the five-door body shell of the PX-MiEV lies an all-wheel-drive system that uses two electric motors, meaning one at each axle, to generate the power. With a range of approximately 50km, the electric motor can be backed up with the 1.6-liter motor that can serve as a generator for longer trips. It is not yet determined when exactly Mitsubishi plans to commercialise the car. (See photo gallery at the bottom)

Japan dominating the electric world?

Typically, the Tokyo Motor Show is next to the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Geneva Motor Show one of the most important and largest events for the automotive industry. This year local car manufacturers dominate the trade show as due to economical reasons some major foreign companies stayed home and cleared the electric vehicle stage for the Japanese firms, such as Toyota, Nissan or Mitsubishi.

Toyota - the future is plug-in hybrid

The world's largest automaker and hybrid innovator, Toyota, showcased its new plug-in hybrid concept of the Prius. It is the first Toyota model that is powered by lithium-ion batteries and can be charged very simply by household power points. The batteries will be provided by its current partner Panasonic and probably with the help of Sanyo as of 2011 according to an unofficial announcement from last month. 

The second electric novelty from Toyota comes along rather tiny but futuristic. The concept car FT-EV II is smaller than the iQ and is controlled by a joystick. This leaves plenty of room for the arms and the legs of four persons as the technology allows to eliminate the pedals and the special design does the rest.

Despite of Toyota’s innovative approach, an all-electric vehicle is not planned so far since the future is considered hybrid for the Japanese manufacturer: "At present, hybrids are the only vehicles able to provide both outstanding fuel efficiency and low cost while maintaining the basic performance of cars at a high level," said Akio Toyoda, the grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda and now president of Toyota, at a press conference on Wednesday. "The vehicle can be driven without anxiety about how much power might remain in the battery or whether there may not be charging facilities nearby," he added. (See photo gallery)

Nissan - the future is electric and we want the leadership

While the Toyota sticks to the hybrid view of things Japan's third-largest auto manufacturer, Nissan, is betting on the all-electric vehicle. The auto manufacturer showcased its small Land Glider for two persons that is being positioned as a "personal city commuter." Following the concept of urban mobility. The concept car utilises an all-electric drivetrain featuring lithium-ion batteries stored under the vehicle's floor. Another future is the motorcycle approach. By leaning into turns, the wheels and guards tilt up to 17 degrees, it simulates the benefits of a wider track for handling purposes.

With the second electric model, the Leaf, that was already presented at the Frankfurt Motor show, Nissan displayed the world's first medium-sized and mass-produced all-electric car, which will be sold in late 2010 in Japan, the United States and Europe.

Like Mitsubishi, which already has an electric car on sale in Japan, Nissan is racing to cement itself as a leader in electric vehicles. “The race for zero emissions has begun, we are preparing to meet the environmental challenge,” said Nissan's President Carlos Ghosn at a press conference. “We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs,” he added. (See photo gallery)