Although lower emissions if very much the trend these days, Mitsubishi faces an uphill battle with this vehicle. Japanese consumers are likely to suffer sticker shock when they see the tax inclusive price of ¥4,599,000 ($47,544). Potential new customers will most certainly weigh their needs when they see the cost.
Based on Mitsubishi’s “i” minicar, the i-MiEV has a lithium-ion battery center-mounted under the floor, with power being sent to a unit mounted in the boot. Mitsubishi claims a range of 160 km (100 miles) when the car is driven under normal urban conditions. The battery can be recharged to 80 percent capacity in about half an hour when using a 200 V, 50 kW three-phase power source. Using standard outlets, the car goes from empty to fully-charged in either seven or 14 hours, depending on the voltage used. Regenerative braking also helps to recharge the battery pack.
Ultimately, the driver gets a motor rated at 47kW, with 180 Nm of torque available almost immediately. Mitsubishi did not release figures related to either the car's acceleration, top speed, or quarter-mile times. We do know that the driver will have three different drive modes to choose from, including "maximum fun," "maximum economy," and "maximum regenerative."
Inside, the driver will be fed data through an instrument cluster with a few meters we would expect to see on an electric-powered vehicle. Along with power consumption and energy recovery information, the driver is also given information about range, and remaining power. This system is powered by a computer operating system developed specifically for this car. An optional, multimedia system running off a solid-state hard drive is also available.
Colors available on the car include White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic, and Raspberry Red Pearl. Customers can also buy the car in one of five two-tone color setups, including Red Solid & White Solid, Cool Silver & White Solid, White Pearl & Ocean Blue Metallic, White Pearl & Mint Green, and Cool Silver & Black Mica. Headlamps are fully LED, as is the rear lighting clusters.
The initial 1,400 units will be handed over to various corporations and government bodies over the summer in Japan during 2009, all under a maintenance/lease program. However, it anticipates that number will reach 5,000 units in 2010 when sales to individuals are set to begin, and rise to 15,000 in 2011.
Mitsubishi did not give any details on when the car might go on sale outside Japan, but company representatives have already said the the i-MiEV is scheduled to be sold in North America.
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