2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Front Side View Picture
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Side View
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Rear View
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Dashboard ViewMitsubishi confirmed a U.S.-market new car electric from mitsubishi, i-MiEV at the 2009 New York Auto Show, where it also displayed a concept model that differs in some respects from the version that starts sale in Japan later during 2009 and reaches Europe by late 2010 (via French automaker PSA/Peugeot-Citroen). A source at Mitsubishi's U.S. headquarters tells Consumer Guide Auto that the American version will start shipping sometime in calendar 2011.
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Details
The regular Mitsubishi i is a subcompact 4-door hatchback with a swoopy "one-box" package slightly smaller than a BMW Mini. There's no front end to speak of, just a curved fascia that sweeps right up to a large minivan-style windshield. Small wheels sit at the extreme corners to maximize interior space, so there's not much of a rear end, either. So where's the powertrain? Mostly under the rear seat, to drive the rear wheels, and so compact as to allow a modest luggage space behind that seat. The narrow body limits passenger capacity to four, but adults have surprising room, thanks to a relatively long wheelbase and the high-roof styling.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV retains these characteristics, but should be 2.1 inches longer and 5.3 inches wider, judging from the New York prototype. The electric i will also be a good deal heavier than its conventionally powered parent, on the order of 300 pounds. The added width allows for wider axle tracks that imply greater handling stability, as well as a touch more shoulder and hip room.
Of course, the main attraction here is the pollution-free powertrain. Where the normal i uses a turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine of just 660cc, the 2012 i-MiEV substitutes an electric motor powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack. The motor is rated at 63 horsepower, same as the turbo-triple gas engine, but its torque output is usefully beefier at 133 lb-ft versus 113. The battery pack comprises 22 four-cell modules supplied by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture involving Mitsubishi Motors, Mitsubishi Corporation, and the GS Yuasa company. An included onboard charger plugs in to common 110- and 220-volt outlets. Mitsubishi quotes respective recharging times of 14 hours and 7 hours. A planned "quick-charger" option can juice the batteries to 80-percent capacity in just 30 minutes. Mitsubishi lists driving range between charges at 80-100 miles, which ought to be more than sufficient for the mostly city use the i-MiEV is designed for. But with a listed top speed of 81 mph, this car should also be practical for city and suburban freeway commuters, especially those who can plug-in during work hours.
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Details
The regular Mitsubishi i is a subcompact 4-door hatchback with a swoopy "one-box" package slightly smaller than a BMW Mini. There's no front end to speak of, just a curved fascia that sweeps right up to a large minivan-style windshield. Small wheels sit at the extreme corners to maximize interior space, so there's not much of a rear end, either. So where's the powertrain? Mostly under the rear seat, to drive the rear wheels, and so compact as to allow a modest luggage space behind that seat. The narrow body limits passenger capacity to four, but adults have surprising room, thanks to a relatively long wheelbase and the high-roof styling.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV retains these characteristics, but should be 2.1 inches longer and 5.3 inches wider, judging from the New York prototype. The electric i will also be a good deal heavier than its conventionally powered parent, on the order of 300 pounds. The added width allows for wider axle tracks that imply greater handling stability, as well as a touch more shoulder and hip room.
Of course, the main attraction here is the pollution-free powertrain. Where the normal i uses a turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine of just 660cc, the 2012 i-MiEV substitutes an electric motor powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack. The motor is rated at 63 horsepower, same as the turbo-triple gas engine, but its torque output is usefully beefier at 133 lb-ft versus 113. The battery pack comprises 22 four-cell modules supplied by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture involving Mitsubishi Motors, Mitsubishi Corporation, and the GS Yuasa company. An included onboard charger plugs in to common 110- and 220-volt outlets. Mitsubishi quotes respective recharging times of 14 hours and 7 hours. A planned "quick-charger" option can juice the batteries to 80-percent capacity in just 30 minutes. Mitsubishi lists driving range between charges at 80-100 miles, which ought to be more than sufficient for the mostly city use the i-MiEV is designed for. But with a listed top speed of 81 mph, this car should also be practical for city and suburban freeway commuters, especially those who can plug-in during work hours.