Mitsubishi Unveils Production Version of i-MiEV

40 years after it began development of electric vehicles, Mitsubishi has unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle (EV), describing it as "the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society."

The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year with price at 4.6 million yen ($45,369), below Fuji Heavy Industries' electric car which will be sold for 4.7 million yen. Both electric cars qualify for government subsidies amounting up to nearly 1.4 million yen per vehicle for buyers. With the government incentives available in Japan, the iMiEV will cost about $31,300.

Mitsubishi plans to build some 1,400 i-MiEV models in fiscal 2009 in Japan, up to 5,000 next year and 15,000 units in 2011.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is powered by a 16 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that recharges in 7 hours at 200 volts / 15 amps. It takes twice that long at 100 volts. The i-MiEV’s battery can also be “quick charged” at quick-charge stations which are currently being established throughout Japan. Charge with a quick-charger gun takes approximately 30 minutes for an 80% charge.

The batteries are produced by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture between Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa.

MAIN POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS:

Drive battery
The i-MiEV is powered by a very high energy-density lithium-ion battery manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan. The large-capacity drive battery is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and is installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. This configuration contributes to outstanding handling and stability due to the car's low center of gravity.

Motor (power unit)
The i-MiEV uses a high-efficiency compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor specially developed for the vehicle. It generates maximum torque from low engine speeds to deliver powerful response and a comfortable ride experience. When the vehicle slows down the regenerative brake system causes the motor to operate as a generator. The electrical energy recovered is stored in the drive battery.

Transmission
The i-MiEV uses a lightweight and compact single-speed reduction gear transmission, exploiting the high low-end torque inherent to the electric motor and eliminating the need for complex gear shifting mechanisms as found in internal combustion engine powered vehicles.

On-board charger
The i-MiEV comes with a compact, lightweight on-board charger that allows the drive battery to be charged using a domestic 100V/200V AC line.

DC/DC converter
The DC/DC converter is used to charge the 12-volt auxiliary battery and power electrical equipment. It is integrated with the on-board charger in a single unit to reduce size and weight.

Inverter
The i-MiEV 's motor is driven by an alternating current. The inverter converts high-voltage direct current from the drive battery to alternating current and supplies motor with the power required to drive the vehicle.

The combination meter instrument cluster is comprised of a power meter that presents a visual display of power consumption and energy recovery status, a drive battery residual charge indicator that indicates how much remaining power there is left in the drive battery, and an available range indicator that displays an estimate of how far the vehicle can be driven on the basis of average power consumption over the last few kilometers.

The shift selector provides the three positions that allow the driver to choose between maximum fun, maximum economy or maximum regenerative brake bias:

 - D-position : Generates gutsy torque in direct response to accelerator input and allows the driver to enjoy i-MiEV’s performance potential to the maximum.

 - Eco-position: Reduces power output and consumption to deliver maximum economy.

 - B-position: Increases the regenerative brake bias. Power output is the same as for D.

The i-MiEV’s climate control system features air conditioning with an electrically powered compressor and a heating system which circulates warm water heated by an electric heater. The control dial provides six-step manual adjustment of both cooling and heating temperatures. The system reduces power consumption by minimizing occasions when both cooling unit and the heater operate together.

Safety features

Drive battery protected by sturdy frame
The high-voltage system, battery pack included, is located inside the body frame and is further protected by a well-crib frame against damage from any direction of impact.

Integrated vehicle management system: MiEV OS
The MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) gathers data and information from all the major EV components to provide integrated management of the i-MiEV 's performance. The advanced management system constantly monitors battery status and the energy recovered from the regenerative brakes while regulating output to ensure smooth and powerful acceleration from a full stop. As a result the system optimizes and minimizes energy consumption while delivering road performance that is comfortable, safe and reassuring.

i-MiEV specifications