Mitsubishi's 'i' city runabout transforms into the i MiEV for the electric version, and is an acronym for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle. It retains the 5 door hatchback layout of the petrol engined version. Re-badged by Peugeot as the iOn and by Citroen as the C-Zero.
Powered by a 66HP - 133lb/ft permanent magnet electric motor, spinning at up to 8,000 RPM, the i-MiEV has a single speed transmission which takes it to a maximum speed of around 80MPH. Mitsubishi say the i-MiEV has a range of 93 miles, but as with all electric vehicles this can be affected by driving conditions, having lights on, radio, air-con or poor weather conditions.
The traction battery pack, located below the i-MiEV’s floor, consists of 88 lithium-ion 3.7V/50Ah cells connected in series to deliver 330V/16kWh, and powers the electric motor (via the inverter), air conditioning and cabin heater. Other devices are powered by a conventional 12V auxiliary battery, charged by the traction battery via a DC-DC converter integrated with the on-board charger. Safety features include a cell monitoring device, electrical leakage detector and a very strong protective casing. Regenerative braking is included to help top up the battery when going downhill or braking. A full re-charge should take 7 hours from a household supply.
The i-MiEV has it's heavy battery pack placed low down in the car to aid handling with a low centre of gravity.
In Japan Mitsubishi have taken the unusual step of configuring the i-MiEV to power hosehold electrical goods in an emergency.
