Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The all-electric car’s components are packaged as neatly as the model name. The i model has a rear engine / rear wheel drive platform on which the i- MiEV replaces the conventional engine, transmission and fuel tank with a lithium-ion battery system, motor, inverter and other electrical parts.

The long wheelbase provides space for high capacity lithium-ion batteries under the floor. It also enables the motor and inverter to be installed in the space that used to house the conventional engine and transmission. The i-MiEV provides ample cabin space for four passengers and decent luggage compartment space in the rear, within a fully crash tested structure. The installation of batteries under the floor makes the  i-MiEV’s centre of gravity low, which provides a more stable driving dynamic.

The i-MiEV utilises high energy density lithium-ion batteries. They are the result of a joint venture company, Lithium Energy Japan, set up by Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa Corporation which originally aimed at producing batteries for 2,000 i-MiEVs. Such has been the demand for the new car that a new purpose-built plant will supply additional batteries. The structure of the four-cell battery modules enables them to be installed in either a vertical or transverse position, so that the battery pack can fit under the floor.

First four seater electric car from a high-volume manufacturer

The i-MiEV is the first all-electric four seater car produced in significant volumes to arrive in the UK market. The range is over 80 miles – more than sufficient for the typical commuting distance. Using the on-board charger, the vehicle can be charged with a standard UK 240V domestic power source via a three pin plug socket. The car re-charges from flat in six to seven hours and Mitsubishi say that when quick-chargers are available, the car can be 80% charged in 30 minutes. The 0-62 time is brisk – quicker, in fact than the petrol version of the i model – and the i-MiEV will power you on to a top speed of around 81 mph.

Electric Car of the Year

The i-MiEV is a lively car about town with a turn of speed and agility that matches its role as a city car. Like other electric cars, it has immediate maximum torque which is quickly mastered and provides an enjoyable driving experience. The car was awarded Electric Vehicle of the Year at the GreenFleet awards ceremony, on 1st October 2009. It was praised for its four seat practicality, range and charge time. It also scored highly for the simplicity with which it could be used, thanks to the use of conventional controls and functional cabin layout.

Peugeot and Citroen versions of i-MiEV electric car

In September 2009, Mitsubishi and PSA announced that the i-MiEV will be the basis for Peugeot and Citroen versions to be sold in European markets, where it will be called the i0n. Production is planned to commence in 2010 for commercial launch by the end of 2010. PSA’s adoption of the vehicle reflects the very favourable consumer reaction to the i-MiEV in trials in the UK and other European markets.

i-MiEV to play major role in government electric car field trials

The MiEV is set to play a prominent role in one of the government’s recently announced Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator projects being run by the Technology Strategy Board. The Mitsubishi will take part in the West Midlands’ CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) consortium, which includes industry, council, academic and power organisations, and is led by design and engineering consultant, Arup.

In June 2009, the Technology Strategy Board awarded eight winning consortia a total of  £25 million from the Government to help speed up the introduction of ultra low carbon vehicles. The project brings together manufacturers, power companies, Regional Development Agencies, councils and academic institutions in order to accelerate the reality of a greener future of transport in the UK.

Mitsubishi will trial the i- MiEV, with 25 vehicles going on the road as part of the year-long trial from November 2009. Mitsubishi is investing significant funding and time in order to learn as much as possible about UK customers’ attitudes towards electric cars in general and the i-MiEV in particular.

The launch and vehicle availability

The introduction of 25 vehicles into the CABLED fleet in November marks the launch of the i-MiEV in the UK. A further 25 vehicles will be available for other customers in 2009. Reports say that Mitsubishi are planning to introduce a further 500 units from mid-2010 and if demand is as expected, the company plans to sell 5,000 i-MiEVs annually in the UK.

Very expensive to buy, incredibly cheap to run

As ever with electric cars, they are currently extremely expensive and the i-MiEV is no exception. Industry reports say that when the 2010 consignment of cars arrive in the UK they will be priced at an impractical £30,000. However, Mitsubishi are indicating that they will introduce a leasing scheme priced at about £750 a month. They are also saying that as sales volumes increase the price will fall – to around £25,000 in 2010 and then to £20,000 as higher volumes kick in. The government subsidy will bring the price down to around £15,000 – at face value, still an expensive proposition – but Mitsubishi estimates that the car can travel 10,000 miles on £45 of electricity. And then there’s zero VED, zero London Congestion charge and zero parking fees in some London boroughs. And zero emissions.

There are big savings to be had if you are currently driving a large car into London every day, but if you’re not, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV will start at a very high sticker price.