Mitsubishi releases new pics of the production iMiEV
click above for a high res gallery of the production Mitsubishi iMiEV
In conjunction with the launch of series production of its iMiEV yesterday, Mitsubishi has released a whole batch of new images. There isn't much new information that we haven't heard before but the automaker has confirmed some dates and prices. The first batch of cars will be leased to commercial and government fleets with deliveries starting in July. Retail customers in Japan will have to wait until next April to pick up an example.
While Mitsubishi has presumably met the kind of reliability and durability goals it expects for a production EV, it has apparently not yet cracked that other problem of cost. The iMiEV is priced at ¥4,380,000 ($45,500!) before taxes and incentives. It does qualify for a healthy ¥1,390,000 tax break which brings the cost of the mini car down to a slightly more palatable $31,000. Start saving your pennies now.
Gallery: Mitsubishi iMiEV production model
[Source: Mitsubishi]
PRESS RELEASE:
Mitsubishi Motors to bring new-generation EV i-MiEV to market
- Delivery to corporate, governmental and local authority users starts late July -
- Sales to individuals to start April 2010 -
Tokyo, June 5, 2009 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today, on World Environment Day, unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV *1 *2 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.
The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration with both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs.
Mitsubishi Motors expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease*3 basis, some 1,400 i-MiEV models in fiscal 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities. The company plans to start sales of i-MiEV to individuals in April 2010 and will start taking orders in late July of this year.
*1 MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
*2 i-MiEV : For the full production model a hyphen has been added to the name by which the advance experiment and proving models have been known.
*3 Maintenance lease: A lease in which the monthly payments include some of the taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.
i-MiEV : Overview
The i-MiEV makes maximum use of the long wheelbase that stems from its base model the "i" minicar's rear-midship layout to install a large capacity lithium-ion drive battery under the floor and the power unit under the luggage compartment. This provides a cruising range that is ample for everyday use without compromising the generous seating or luggage space of the "i."
The introduction of the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System)*4 - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how garnered from many years of EV research and development - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV.
*4 Generic name for the integrated vehicle management system developed by Mitsubishi Motors for new-generation EVs.
1. Principal product features
(1) Zero drive-time CO2 emissions
The i-MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) which produces no CO2 emissions while being driven. Even when the CO2 gas emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO2 produced by the gasoline "i" minicar (Calculated in-house based on the average of electric energy frameworks in Japan).
(2) Driven 100% by electrical power
The i-MiEV is very economical because it only uses electrical energy as its power source. Also, depending on electric power company rate fees, the running cost can be reduced further by charging the battery when off-peak (late night) rates apply*5.
*5 An application must be submitted to the electric power company to qualify for domestic late night rates.
(3) Quiet, agile, comfortable performance
The i-MiEV delivers the quiet and comfortable motoring experience only possible from an internal combustion engine-less EV. Maximizing the excellent response and high low-end torque inherent to its electric motor i-MiEV enables a level of responsive and powerful performance that surpasses that of the gasoline-powered turbo engine "i" minicar.
(4) Ample range for everyday minicar use
The i-MiEV has a single-charge range of 160 km*6 in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban driving pattern. This gives it a range that is ample*7 for everyday minicar use.
*6 Actual range will vary depending on weather conditions, road congestion and on how the driver operates his vehicle (use of accelerator, climate control system, etc.)
*7 A nationwide survey in Japan indicates that on average 90% of car drivers cover less than 40 km/day on weekdays and that 80% cover less than 60 km/day at weekends and holidays (in-house research).
(5) 3 ways to charge the battery
The i-MiEV uses a 3-way charging system that allows the drive battery to be charged at home or when out and about. For normal charging i-MiEV is connected to either a standard 100-volt or 200-volt domestic outlet using the charging cables supplied with the vehicle. The i-MiEV's battery can also be "quick charged" at quick-charge stations which are currently being established throughout Japan.
# Charging time guide *8
Method Power source Time
Normal** 200V AC(15Amp) Approx. 7 hours (full charge)
100V AC(15Amp) Approx. 14 hours (full charge)
Quick 200V 3-phase (50 kW) Approx. 30 mins. (80% charge)
*8 Actual charging times may vary depending on such factors as air temperature and power source status.
** The normal charging gun and normal charging connector were jointly developed by Toyota Motor Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.
2. Advanced technology
(1) Main powertrain components
a. Drive battery
The i-MiEV is powered by a very high energy-density lithium-ion battery manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan*9. 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.
*9 Joint venture established on December 12, 2007 between Mitsubishi Motors, GS Yuasa Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation to develop, manufacture and sell large-capacity and high energy-density lithium-ion cells for EV use.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. 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.
i-MiEV_SystemConfigurations
(2) Combination meter display
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.
(3) Shift selector
The shift selector provides the three positions described below 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.
(4) Climate control
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.
(5) Safety features
a. 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.
b. 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.
3. Other equipment and trim
(1) Body colors
The range of 8 body finishes includes monotones and two types of 2-tone color schemes.
a. Monotones
Three monotone colors are offered: White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Raspberry Red Pearl (factory option).
b. 2-tone schemes (factory option):
# Type A:
The two 2-tone color schemes that have been used to date to highlight the i-MiEV 's originality are available: Red Solid / White Solid and Cool Silver Metallic / White Solid.
# Type B:
In addition two new 2-tone color schemes are available.
- "Clean image:" White Pearl / Ocean Blue Metallic and White Pearl / Mint Green.
- "Premium image:" Cool Silver Metallic / Black Mica.
(2) LED headlamps and rear combination lamps
The i-MiEV is the first minicar*10 and the first Mitsubishi Motors model to use LED headlamps, which throw a longer and wider low-beam pattern while also cutting power consumption. The rear combination lamps also use fast-illuminating LED emitters for the tail and stop lamps, making these lamps more instantly visible to following vehicles.
*10 As of end May 2009, according to Mitsubishi Motors research.
(3) PBS-bamboo fiber Green Plastic tailgate trim
The i-MiEV uses PBS (polybutylene succinate)-bamboo fiber Green Plastic for the tailgate interior trim. The use of PBS-bamboo fiber cuts life-cycle emissions (from extraction of raw materials to final disposal of product) of CO2 by some 10 percent compared with polypropylene.
(4) Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (MMES)
The i-MiEV is available with the Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (with a 7-inch display and SSD navigation) that is built around solid state drive (SSD) technology to offer outstanding power saving and shock resistant properties. MMES is a factory-fitted option. The navigation database can be updated using SD flash cards and the company plans to use this feature to display the location of battery charging stations as they become available.
4. i-MiEV specifications
Drive System 2WD (rear-wheel drive)
Vehicle Weight/Dimensions L x W x H 3395mm x 1475mm x 1600mm
Wheel base 2550mm
Vehicle weight (kg) 1100kg
Occupants 4
Performance Power Consumption
(10-15 mode driving pattern) 125Wh/km
Cruising range/charge
(10-15 mode driving pattern) 160km
Drive Battery Type Lithium-ion
Rated voltage 330V
Rated capacity 16 kWh
Motor Type Permanent magnet synchronous
Model Y4F1
Max. output 47kW (64PS) / 3000 - 6000 rpm
Max. torque 180 Nm (18.4 kgf-m) / 0 - 2000 rpm
5. Sales information (for Japanese domestic market)
# Sales target:
1,400 units (fiscal 2009)
# MSRP:
JPY 4,599,000 (consumption tax inclusive)*11
JPY 4,380,000 (ex-tax) *12
(Price does not include recycling fee, insurance, taxes other than consumption tax or registration costs.)
# Sales contract type: Maintenance lease
*11 i-MiEV qualifies for "Subsidies for measures designed to promote introduction of clean energy vehicles," currently implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. For fiscal 2009, intending owners are eligible to receive a maximum subsidy of JPY 1,390,000 on approval of an application submitted to the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center (The intending owner must apply for the subsidy and receive notification of its approval before the vehicle is registered).
*12 Under current Japanese tax incentives to promote the ownership of eco-cars, the i-MiEV is exempt from the excise and weight taxes normally collectable on purchase of a new vehicle.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
NS 5:21PM (9/24/2009)
Tata Nano ... anyone?
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gorr 2:49PM (6/05/2009)
Will they sell it for cash ? Can we fit a small gasoline battery recharger sold actually at walmart for 150$ or more ?.
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Lad 3:25PM (6/05/2009)
Great to see a company is actually putting a BEV on the streets. This is a "going to do" not a "planning to do." I expect there to be more BEVs to to come shortly; perhaps from Nissan, Smart, etc.
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Yanquetino 3:35PM (6/05/2009)
I am intrigued to see:
* Mitsubishi will henceforth use the new "standard" J1772 plug for everyday charging on the right side of the vehicle, now also protected with a "fuel filler door" like on the left side.
* The other end of that J1772 cable has an L7-15 NEMA plug (4770) for up to 15A/277V charging.
* The vehicle apparently also comes with an adapter extension with a matching L7-15 NEMA connector (4779) on one end, and a standard 5-15 NEMA plug (5266) on the other for up to 15A/125V trickle charging.
* This is the first time I have seen the plug and connector on the left side of the vehicle for high-speed charging. Just look at the girth of that cable! Makes me wonder what "standard" might emerge for such "less-than-an-hour" charging.
* This was also the first time I have seen the actual battery pack (rather than an illustration), both with and without its top cover.
* The diagrams are intriguing and I intend to give them closer scrutiny.
* That's quite the photo of an i-MiEV forging a swollen "river."
* I wish that the interior photos were of a left-hand version.
* I really like that "seamist green" color on the vehicle's highlights. I'll pass on the solid "plum" color, however!
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augustus 3:45PM (6/05/2009)
Save your money, wait two years, spend $10k more and get the tesla sedan. There is no way anyone other than the religious faithful will shell out $31k for that car.
Glad to know that governments will shell out taxpayer dollars for that. (that was a sarcastic comment btw).
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Alan 4:17PM (6/05/2009)
Oh my God! Let's never bring out anything new! You're just stating the obvious by saying that only a small percentage of people will buy that, that's exactly the plan. Did you buy a flat screen TV when they were $10,000? Do you have one now? I'd guess so.
augustus 5:34PM (6/05/2009)
I stated the obvious that only a small number of religious zealots will shell out $31k for a small egg shaped car. I also stated the obvious that there are more people who will shell out $10k more for a Tesla sedan because it is not egg shaped.
Hopefully the Tesla's batteries are durable.
Tohe 5:44PM (6/05/2009)
Alan, you can't sell a monkey an apple all they want is their banana. As you noted that same principle is at work here. There are early adopters as there are late ones, the market is quite wide and it works either way.
DasBoese 8:36AM (6/06/2009)
Or, you know, there could be people who have much more use for a nimble, small hatchback than for a big sedan. For instance those who live and/or work in highly congested cities with limited parking space.
Religious zealots, the lot of them!
jake 4:28PM (6/05/2009)
I think it's a better estimate to use relative prices of cars to compare rather than exchange rates.
It's 15% more than a top spec V6 5AT Inspire (same as the US Accord) with navigation. That's $3.9 mil yen after taxes, 3.71 mil yen before taxes. So ~$38600 before taxes. In the US, a top spec V6 5AT Accord with navigation is $30905.
http://www.honda.co.jp/INSPIRE/type-price/
http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/price.aspx?Model=CP3689JNW
I'm using an Accord since it's closer in pricing to the iMIEV. Mitsubishi only has the Lancer which they sell in both the US and Japan so it's hard to get a good sample.
For a Camry the most comparable US model I found was the 2.4l SE 5AT model with cloth seats. That's $22,815. In Japan a similar 2.4l 5AT Camry with cloth seats is 2,505,000 yen or $26022 after taxes; 2,385,714 yen or $24783 before taxes. The Japanese Camry is 54.5% no tax/57.2% with tax exemption of the iMIEV.
http://toyota.jp/camry/concept/grade/index.html
For the Camry: $22815/54.5% ~= $42k for the iMIEV assuming no incentives and tax exemption. With the tax exemption it's ~=$40k.
For the Accord: $30905/85% you get ~$36500 for the iMIEV assuming no incentives and tax exemption. With tax exemption its ~= $35k.
So it'll be in the $35-40k range it seems if it gets over here.
It's a little high before the tax credit, but it's probably due to low volume and them figuring in the incentive. Hopefully with volume it'll get lower.
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kert 4:59PM (6/05/2009)
Actually, other sources are reporting that Subaru Stella production offically commenced as well, albeit in about 10x smaller volume.
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ct 5:22PM (6/05/2009)
I think it looks great. After driving a 2005 Prius for the last couple of years I am used to different looking cars. It's like the beginning of a new era. No f-ing gas! Only down side is that the countries sitting on lithium aren't friendly with us either.
I'll buy one if they bring it over here!
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meme 6:18PM (6/05/2009)
"Only down side is that the countries sitting on lithium aren't friendly with us either. "
You mean we're not friendly with ourselves? Western Lithium Corporation just opened up a massive mine in Nevada's Kings Valley.
ct 1:10AM (6/06/2009)
I looked and couldn't find anything that said they opened the Nevada mine yet. You may be interested in this article that ran in the NY Times. Bolivia has the largest deposit and their current president doesn't seem to like us.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/world/americas/03lithium.html
gulags 6:19PM (6/05/2009)
I'd just be happy if they released a left-handed version of the "i" here in the States. (It's the gas-powered kei car upon which the MiEV is based.)
Unless it's got a battery-swap option, I don't want an electric car until I have a house of my own. You know that once plug-in EVs catch on, people are going to be going around parking garages at 2 in the morning yanking plugs/cutting wires.
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meme 6:46PM (6/05/2009)
"You know that once plug-in EVs catch on, people are going to be going around parking garages at 2 in the morning yanking plugs/cutting wires. "
Like they do all the time with block heaters up north? Oh wait, they don't. Because most people have better things to do with their time. And if teenage pranks turns into "unplugging electric cars", I'd rather have that than spraypaint or whatnot.
gulags 6:51PM (6/05/2009)
Things are a little different down here in Los Angeles compared to Duluth.
meme 12:20PM (6/08/2009)
Fair enough, I'll grant you that ;)
Snowdog 10:17PM (6/05/2009)
Subaru's Stella is going live as for similar pricing/sizing (Kei car in mid $40000's).
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=149911
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KenZ 1:20AM (6/06/2009)
Apparently I must be religious faithful. The first highway capable car that costs under $50k INCLUDING taxes and registration, full electric (or REEV with 20+ miles of electric would do), can hold four people (yes, the iMiev counts), I will buy. Money is saved. The iMiev at $40k is a deal.
It's not about the money, or the fact that it will never pay for itself. It's that an item, ANY item, is worth what it's worth to the buyer. I think it's been stated here often that leather seats do not make economic sense. A high end stereo (or any radio for that matter) does not make economic sense. And it's not about image. It's about having what I really want, and thus while I might never be able to resell it, and you might tell me it's not a good value, it's a good value to me, because I want it.
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