Click above for high-res image gallery of the Magna Steyr mila ev concept Auto supplier Magna Steyr has chosen the Geneva Motor Show to unveil its new mila ev concept vehicle. You may recall that Magna is currently working with Ford on a production version of the Focus-based electric car that the Blue Oval is expected to launch as a production model in 2011. Like the proof-of-concept EV from Magna that we got the chance to drive at the Detroit Auto Show , the mila ev uses a lithium ion battery pack that’s capable of providing a range of around 100 miles (150 kilometers) after a charge of about 2.5 hours. Though it’s clearly possible to convert a gas-guzzler to an electric machine, the mila ev highlights the advantages of designing a purpose-built electric vehicle with a spacious five-door hatchback bodystyle and the ability to accommodate a natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell or hybrid powertrain in addition to the fully electric version currently being shown. Integrated rooftop solar panels provide an extra jolt of power and could possibly allow for a climate control system that doesn’t drain the batteries. Magna says that the mila ev concept is ready for production and that it can assemble the modular vehicle for any manufacturer at its own flexible manufacturing plants. Check out our gallery below and see the official press release after the break. Gallery: Geneva Preview: Magna Steyr mila ev [Source: Magna Steyr] Continue reading Geneva Preview: Magna debuts new EV concept Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Geneva Motor Show Geneva Preview: Magna debuts new EV concept originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Geneva Preview: Magna debuts new EV concept