i-MiEV BEV by Mitsubishi

Initially released in Japan in 2009, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV became famous as the very first all-electric BEV automobile available in large scale from a mainstream automaker to the international auto market. Developed by a Mitsubishi sub-brand, Intelligent Motion, the i-MiEV was a huge leap forward both in the world of green cars and for Mitsubishi itself, intending to be at the forefront of global CO2 emissions reduction efforts.

Although Mitsubishi Motors offers three different all-electric models, two of these are simply re-branded models of identical units produced by Citroen and Peugoet.

The i-MiEV is Mitsubishi Motor's only electric car available to the public with both leasing and direct sales options.

Other advantages of this EV include its extremely cheap "refueling" costs, with full charges going for next to nothing, cheap repairs, and little downtime.

This EV has an impressive amount of power and a high range of safety features designed to both initially prevent accidents as well as reduce their impact if they should happen.

It shines as the first EV to pass Euro NCAP's rigorous safety examination, from which it received a stellar four star rating.

Besides being the first major electric vehicle to be sold in both Japan and around Europe, this little electric car was recently crowned as the highest-selling all-electric in the world. Copycat models have even started to become available from other major manufacturers, which is a compliment all in itself.

Design

Both the exterior and the interior of this jewel have a modern, stylistic feel to them. Some would say that it resembles a Smart ForTwo, only longer. The electric motor is found near the rear of the car, tucked underneath the floorboards along with the main batteries.

On the instrument panel, beside the usual array of instruments there is an eco-meter to tell you how efficient your current driving is. The speedometer is digital and the seats and rear window are heated, making for a luxurious, comfortable ride.

Features

Many of the optional features all come as standard in the MiEV including parking assists and air conditioning as well as navigation and entertainment features.

Due to the engine being beneath the car, there is much more space in the interior including plenty of head and leg room. The seating is comfortable, even if the automobile is a bit narrow, and the view of the road is ample.

Although there is little space for luggage, the back seats can be folded down to accommodate larger loads when necessary.

Driving

The MiEV can accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in about 13 seconds and has a top speed of about 80 miles per hour. It is a fixed gear model, which means no complicated or clumsy shifting, just pure power from the motor to the wheels.

It handles steadily and firmly due to its extra weight and low center of gravity, even though it bounces a little when the road is rough. The regenerative braking system has three modes that take a little practice to get the hang of, but these, once mastered, can set the range and performance of the vehicle to top levels.

Distance

Mitsubishi Motors puts the range of the electric battery at 92 miles before it needs recharging. This range, of course, drops to about 65 percent if the car is driven at high speeds or with the air conditioning or heating at full blast. Recharging the electric battery can be done at home in seven hours or from a fast-charging station in about half an hour.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a comfy, roomy, enjoyable electric vehicle available for a great price. Even though, like any vehicle with an electric motor, its range is small, that won't affect most people as long as it is charged at night. For daily errands and trips it is not only a convenient option available with a very low refueling price tag, it is also a world of fun to zoom around in.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a comfy, roomy, enjoyable electric vehicle available for a great price. Even though, like any vehicle with an electric motor, its range is small, that won't affect most people as long as it is charged at night. For daily errands and trips it is not only a convenient option available with a very low refueling price tag, it is also a world of fun to zoom around in.