The battery-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV four-door hatchback seats up to four people. It features a 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack, which is good for an EPA-estimated 62 miles of pure electric driving. The car’s primary competitor is the Nissan Leaf.
New for 2013 The i-MiEV debuted for 2012 and there are no significant changes for 2013. ExteriorTo some, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV probably looks like a glorified golf cart. It’s narrow and tall, and its wheels are so close to the bumpers that there’s practically no overhang at all. Exterior features include:
15-inch steel or alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires
Body-color door handles and side mirrors
LED taillights
Available fog lights
Interior The i-MiEV’s interior is roomier than you’d expect, with surprising headroom thanks to the car’s tall stature. Despite the alternative nature of the drivetrain, the cabin is conventional with a regular ignition key and shifter with PRND settings.
The cargo space is also generous, especially considering the backseat room, and there is a 50/50-split folding rear seat. Interior features include:
Air conditioning
Heated driver’s seat
CD stereo; premium audio available
Reclining rear seat
Available leather-wrapped steering wheel
Available brown and black instrument panel
Available navigation system with backup camera
Available USB connectivity
Under the Hood The i-MiEV’s drivetrain consists of a 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 16 kilowatt-hours of storage, a 66-horsepower electric motor and rear-wheel drive. As an electric car, there’s no transmission in the traditional sense, which is to say no “speeds.” In addition to a Drive mode, the Eco and B modes help the driver to accelerate more efficiently and also increase the degree of regenerative braking, which uses the car’s inertia to recharge the battery pack. Mechanical features include:
EPA-estimated range of 62 miles
Seven-hour charge time using a 240-volt supply, nearly 23 hours using a 120-volt household outlet
Available DC quick-charge port
Remote fob allows for programmable charging times and can activate the climate-control system
