The four-door uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor that develops 47kW/180Nm, providing plenty of power. Photo Gallery
Mitsubishi is leading the charge of the enlightened brigade.
The day of the electric car is fast dawning and Mitsubishi Australia is ready.
Having previously exhibited the petrol-engined “i” small car at the Melbourne Motor Show in 2006, Mitsubishi will unveil an all-electric version called the i MiEV.
It is a 100 per cent electric vehicle, using high-energy density lithium batteries to power its compact, lightweight motor.
Mitsubishi Japan is gearing up for full-scale production and the car has sparked plenty of interest worldwide, including Australia.
The four-door uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor that develops 47kW/180Nm, providing plenty of power.
As the car weighs just 1080kg, it will hit 130km/h, with an operating range of 160km.
That’s enough for the average daily commute in addition to an evening out on the town before it needs recharging.
The i MiEV also has a regenerative braking system that reduces speed by converting the braking energy into battery energy to top up the electric supply.
The Japanese model uses an on-board unit to recharge the car through 100-volt or 200-volt power sources.
It takes 14 hours to recharge through 100 volts and seven hours through a 200-volt outlet.
However, with the anticipated development of quick chargers, Mitsubishi believes charging time can eventually be dramatically reduced to just 30 minutes.
Driving the car is relatively simple. There is no conventional gearbox, rather a gear lever with drive, economy and brake modes.
The brake mode applies the regenerative function more aggressively down steep hills.
The i MiEV generates zero carbon dioxide emissions and even in terms of “well-to-wheel” performance, the vehicle emits only about 30 per cent of the C02 generated by a similar-sized petrol car.
“Well-to-wheel” performance measures the efficiency of the entire fuel process, from fuel production to supplying the electric power to operate the car.
Mitsubishi has already undertaken extensive testing of the i MiEV with Japanese utility companies over the past two years and with electricity provider Southern California Edison in the US.
The success of these programs and feedback from users has prompted Mitsubishi Motors to start selling the car alongside other petrol-engined Mitsubishis in Japan this year.
The i MiEV is a true city car, measuring 3395mm long and 1475mm wide while sitting on a 2550mm wheelbase.
That’s about 490mm shorter than the popular Mitsubishi Colt and 105mm narrower.
Joining the i MiEV on the Mitsubishi stand are the new Lancer and Pajero ranges, as well as Mitsubishi’s rugged Triton ute.
The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...
