Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Five-door hatchback electric city car
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Motor vehicle
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors
Also calledPeugeot iOn (Europe)
Citroën C-Zero (Europe)
Mitsuoka Like
Production2009–2021
2009–2014 (Europe)
AssemblyJapan: Kurashiki, Okayama (Mizushima Plant)
Body and chassis
ClassKei car (Japan)
City car (outside Japan)
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutRMR
RelatedMitsubishi i
Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV
Powertrain
Electric motor47 kW (63 hp), 180 N⋅m (133 lbf⋅ft) permanent-magnet motor[1]
TransmissionSingle speed reduction gear
Battery16 kWh / 58 MJ (Li-ion battery)
Range160 km (99 mi) (Japanese cycle)
100 km (62 mi) (US EPA cycle)
Plug-in charging15 A 240 V AC (3.6 kW)[2] on the SAE J1772-2009 inlet, optional CHAdeMO DC rapid charging, adapters for domestic AC sockets (110–240 V)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,550 mm (100.4 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
3,480 mm (137.0 in) (Japan 2018-2021)
3,680 mm (144.9 in) (North America)[3]
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
1,585 mm (62.4 in) (North America)[3]
Height1,600 mm (63.0 in)
1,615 mm (63.6 in) (North America)[3]
Curb weight1,080 kg (2,380 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMitsubishi i
SuccessorMitsubishi eK X EV (Japan)
Citroën Ami (Europe)

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV (MiEV is an acronym for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle[4]) is a five-door electric kei car produced in the 2010s by Mitsubishi Motors, and is the electric version of the Mitsubishi i. Rebadged variants of the i-MiEV are also sold by PSA as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero, mainly in Europe. The i-MiEV was the world's first modern highway-capable mass production electric car.[5][6]

The i-MiEV was launched for fleet customers in Japan in July 2009, and on April 1, 2010, for the wider public.[7] International sales to Asia, Australia and Europe started in 2010, with further markers in 2011 including Central and South America. Fleet and retail customer deliveries in the U.S. and Canada began in December 2011.[8][9] The American-only version is larger than the Japanese version and has several additional features.[10][11]

According to the manufacturer, the i-MiEV all-electric range is 160 kilometres (100 mi) on the Japanese test cycle. The range for the 2012 model year American version is 62 miles (100 km) on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (US EPA) cycle. In November 2011 the Mitsubishi i ranked first in EPA's 2012 Annual Fuel Economy Guide, and became the most fuel efficient EPA certified vehicle in the U.S. for all fuels ever, until it was surpassed by the Honda Fit EV in June 2012 and the BMW i3, Chevrolet Spark EV, Volkswagen e-Golf, and Fiat 500e in succeeding years.[12][13]

As of July 2014[update], Japan ranked as the leading market with over 10,000 i-MiEVs sold, followed by Norway with more than 4,900 units, France with over 4,700 units, Germany with more than 2,400 units, all three European countries accounting for the three variants of the i-MiEV family sold in Europe; and the United States with over 1,800 i-MiEVs sold through August 2014. As of early March 2015, and accounting for all variants of the i-MiEV, including the two minicab MiEV versions sold in Japan, global sales totaled over 50,000 units since 2009.[6]

History

Mitsubishi i-MiEV, based on the Mitsubishi i kei car, was first exhibited at the 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition in Yokohama.[when?] Mitsubishi eschews the in-wheel motors (MIEV) in favour of a more conventional array of batteries, motor and inverter to replace the "rear midship" engine and fuel tank of the conventional car. Mitsubishi Motors provided three power companies with vehicles in 2006 and 2007 in order to conduct joint research to evaluate how fast-charge infrastructure may be developed for EVs. Fleet testing by five power companies was conducted in 2007. The car had a range of 130 kilometres (80 mi) for the 16 kW⋅h lithium-ion battery pack and 160 kilometres (100 mi) for the 20 kW⋅h pack. Top speed was 130 kilometres per hour (80 mph).[14]

Plans were announced in 2008 to sell the i-MiEV in European markets as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero.[15] Mitsubishi began supplying the electric cars to PSA Peugeot Citroën (PSA) since 2010, and PSA has a contractual commitment to buy 100,000 i-MiEVs over a period that remained confidential.[16][17][needs update]

Specifications

Mitsubishi i-MiEV's System Diagram

Powertrain

The production version of the 2009 i-MiEV has a single permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted on the rear axle with a rated peak power output of 49 kW (66 hp) (between 2500 and 8000 RPM) and torque output of 180 N⋅m (130 lbf⋅ft) (between 0 and 2000 RPM). The continuous power rating is 35 kW (47 hp).[18] The North American model had a rated stall torque output of 197 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) (between 0 and 300 RPM).[19]

Mitsubishi i MiEV. Under the rear load platform. The inverter, rectifier and DC-DC voltage reduction device (For auxiliary battery). The motor, differential and reduction gear assembly are beneath. On the left, the red filler cap is for motor coolant (water antifreeze mix). On the right, the electric vacuum pump for the braking system.

The motor is water cooled, there is a conventional automobile radiator in the front of the car with an electric fan. The coolant (with antifreeze) level is monitored via a tank under the rear load platform on the left hand side of the vehicle.[20]: 1–4, 9–4 

The vehicle uses a single-speed reduction gear transmission driving the rear wheels and has a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.[21] The car's top speed is 130 kilometres per hour (80 mph).[22]

Under its five-cycle testing, the US EPA rated the American 2012 model year Mitsubishi i with a combined fuel economy equivalent of 112 MPGe (2.1 L/100 km), with an equivalent 126 mpg‑US (1.87 L/100 km; 151 mpg‑imp) in city driving and 99 mpg‑US (2.4 L/100 km; 119 mpg‑imp) on highways.[23][24] This rating allowed the 2012 Mitsubishi i to get a higher MPG-e rating than the 2011 Nissan Leaf, which was rated at 99 MPGe (2.4 L/100 km) combined, but the Leaf rated a better range due to the Mitsubishi i's smaller battery pack.[24][25] Consumption was rated at 97 Wh/km (560 kJ/mi) under the NEDC, with a maximum range of 93 mi (150 km) under that cycle.[18]

Battery

EV Quick Charger (200V)

The 16-kilowatt-hour (58 MJ) lithium-ion battery pack consists of 88 cells placed under the base floor. The pack has 12 cell modules connected in series at a nominal voltage of 330 V.[18] There are two 4-cell modules placed vertically at the center of the pack and ten 8-cell modules placed horizontally. The cells are designated LEV50, developed by Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa for both high specific energy and high rate discharge and manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture of GS Yuasa Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.[26]: 4 

The entire pack has a specific energy of 80 Wh/kg.[27] Each cell has a nominal voltage of 3.7 V and capacity of 50 A-hr (185 W-hr), measuring (H×W×L) 113.5 mm × 43.8 mm × 171 mm (4.47 in × 1.72 in × 6.73 in) and weighing 1.7 kg (3.7 lb). A four-cell module connected in series with 14.8 V and the same 50 A-hr (740 W-hr) capacity, designated LEV50-4, measures (H×W×L) 116 mm × 194 mm × 175 mm (4.6 in × 7.6 in × 6.9 in) and weighs 7.5 kg (17 lb).[28] The battery has a forced air cooling system to prevent overheating during high charge and discharge rates and consequent damage; an optional heater is available for charging during cold weather.[19] There is an integral fan in the battery pack. For rapid charging, the battery pack is additionally cooled with refrigerated air from the car's air conditioning system.[20]

N-variant cells

From the 2013 model year onwards, the cells used in the battery were switched from the LEV50 to the LEV50N. At this time, the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero batteries were reduced to 80 cells, while the i-MiEV continued with 88 cells; because the individual LEV50N cells each had the same capacity as the LEV50 cells, the overall battery pack was reduced to 14.5 kW-hr for the iOn and C-Zero, but improvements in the regenerative braking efficiency meant the range was unchanged.[29] The "N" variant featured improved life under high discharge current and ambient temperatures due to an electrolyte additive which reduced internal resistance.[30]

SCiB-variant cells

In June 2011 Mitsubishi announced it would adopt Toshiba's Super Charge Ion Battery (SCiB) technology for its two new models of electric vehicles, the i-MiEV and Minicab MiEV. The SCiB technology uses lithium titanate oxide chemistry; Toshiba stated that its SCiB batteries can withstand 2.5 times more charge/discharge cycles than a typical lithium-ion battery. In addition, recharging via CHAdeMO takes much less time than charging at the AC Level 2 rate used by most electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), allowing the SCiB battery to reach 80% capacity in 15 minutes, 50% in 10 minutes and 25% in 5 minutes.[31] Total capacity with the SCiB technology was 10.5 kW-hr.[32][33]

The SCiB battery offers a higher effective capacity than a typical lithium-ion battery, which combined with more efficient regenerative charging during braking or coasting downhill, allows the SCiB battery to deliver 1.7 times the driving range per charge of a typical lithium-ion battery of the same size. Alternatively, the carmaker could install a smaller battery with less weight and keep the same range to contribute to lower the vehicle price as compared to lithium-ion batteries.[34] Recharging is estimated to take 14 hours from a 110 volt power supply, 7 hours from a 220 volt power supply and as little as 30 minutes from a quick charging station.[7][35]

The SCiB battery was only available in the Japanese model. Other markets retained the LEV50 or LEV50N lithium ion cells.[20]

Charging (types and modes)

i-MiEV inlets
CHAdeMO (DC fast charge)
Yazaki/Type 1 (AC)

It includes two types of charging inlet connectors:

Emergency power supply and V2G

In the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Mitsubishi introduced one year ahead of schedule a device called MiEV Power Box that enables the i-MiEV to supply power to home electric appliances in the event of a power outage or natural disasters. The device provides 100-volt outlets, converting the i-MiEV's direct current (DC) battery power into 100 volts alternating current (AC) to power up to 1,500 watts of small electrical equipment. Mitsubishi estimates that the i-MiEV total battery capacity is enough to provide power for between 5 and 6 hours, equivalent to one day of power consumed by an average Japanese home.[36][37] The device was scheduled to be available by the end of April 2012, at a cost of ¥149,800 (US$1,800) but as of November 2013 it is not clear if this is widely available.

On the other hand, Mitsubishi HEMS (Home Energy Management System),[38] is the V2G system.

Regenerative braking control

Driving mode selector

The manufacturers have made every effort to make the very different technology of this car appear similar to conventional cars. The lever between the front seats appears to be an automatic transmission control but is not so, though it works in a similar fashion. It is in fact a switch which reverses the electric motor and also controls the strength of the regenerative braking through a driving mode selector. Correct use of the regeneration control can influence the range of the car.

As well as "park" "neutral" and "reverse" there are three driving mode positions that affect the strength of regeneration, intended for city driving (D), hilly terrain (B), and flat terrain (C) respectively;[18]: 9  the North American model is labeled (E)co instead of (C).[20]: 5–23  Used correctly, on most journeys, a large percentage of kinetic energy and potential energy can be returned to the battery. Lifting off the accelerator/"gas" pedal also induces regeneration as does light pressure on the foot brake. The only other mechanical losses are frictional. The main loss is aerodynamic drag which is proportional to the square of speed, hence high speeds are inefficient and reduce range.

Dashboard; digital speedometer is in the center, surrounded by a prominent analog power consumption/ regeneration gauge. The neutral position is indicated by two short white lines dividing the blue (regeneration) and green (discharge) zones.

Regeneration and power consumption can be monitored by the driver with an analogue instrument surrounding the digital speedometer on the dashboard/control panel which shows both instantaneous power consumed (needle moving to the right of its resting neutral position) and regeneration (needle moving to the left).[20]: 5–35 

Electrical equipment

The heating of the passenger cab is by a conventional "wet" automotive system. Heat is derived from the traction battery via a resistance element. Use of the heater significantly reduces range. The traction motor cooling system runs at much lower temperatures than in a conventional car and is therefore separate from the cab heating system. While the car is charging, the interior can be preheated to alleviate the range reduction problem.

There is an auxiliary, 12 volt conventional lead-acid battery under the bonnet/hood for the accessories. It is also needed to control and charge the main traction battery and to start the vehicle. It is charged from the main traction battery via a DC-DC voltage reduction device. If it is discharged, the vehicle cannot be started, neither can the main traction battery be charged. Use of 12 volt "jump cables" from another vehicles is possible.[citation needed]

The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. An emergency cutoff for main battery is located under the front left hand seat. If the car is involved in a collision, there is a cutoff switch that is operated by the G forces involved.[citation needed]

Wheels

The front and rear wheels are different sizes. Instead of a spare wheel, a roadside repair kit with a 12 volt electric compressor (plugs into cigarette lighter) and a bottle of repair fluid is located under the cushion of the rear passenger seat.[citation needed]

Braking system

The braking system is conventional hydraulic (power-assisted) with disk brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System and Traction Control System are fitted. The hand/parking brake is cable operated, acting on the rear wheels. The hydraulic fluid reservoir is under the front bonnet/hood. As there is no manifold vacuum, there is an electric vacuum pump located under the rear loading platform.

On some models, there are interlocks on the braking system so that the startup process can only be initiated when the brake pedal is pressed.[citation needed]

Range

Mitsubishi i-MiEV charging

The all-electric range is 100 miles (160 km) on the Japanese test cycle.[39] Two additional trim levels will be available in Japan beginning in late July 2011, the entry-level “M” with a 10.5 kWh battery pack has a reduced range of 120 kilometres (75 mi), and the higher-level "G" with the same a 16.0 kWh battery as the original i-MiEV has a range of 180 kilometres (110 mi). The "G" trim availability was announced as mid August 2011.[40]

The US EPA official range for the 2012 model year American "i" version is 62 miles (100 km) based on the five-cycle tests using varying driving conditions and climate controls. Under the LA4 driving cycle for city conditions, EPA's rated range is 98 miles (158 km).[23][24] According to the carmaker, the city range of the 2012 Mitsubishi i was improved as compared to the previous i-MiEV versions, through software upgrades and a revamped regenerative braking system.[23]

The Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide estimated the i-MiEV's range to be 155 kilometres (96 mi).[41]

In practice range is affected by driving style, hilliness of the terrain, speed and use of passenger compartment heating and cooling. Strong head and following winds also make a noticeable difference.

Towing

The drive system is permanently connected to the rear wheels. This means that the vehicle must be transported/towed with the rear (driving) wheels off the ground to prevent damage.[22] Using the car to tow trailers is not recommended.[22]

Safety

Mitsubishi i-MiEV hatchback (Australia)
Interior

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) awarded the i-MiEV a four-star car safety rating, earning the following ratings for each criterion. The tested model was a left-hand-drive five-door hatchback registered in 2011:

Euro NCAP test results
Mitsubishi i-MiEV (2011)[42]
Test Points %
Overall:
Adult occupant: 26 73%
Child occupant: 38 78%
Pedestrian: 17 48%
Safety assist: 6 86%

Euro NCAP also states that it "believes that the star rating of the i-MiEV can also be applied to the Citroën C-Zero" because the agency was informed that the Citroën C-Zero is structurally identical to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and has the same interior fitting and levels of safety equipment.[43]

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rated the i-MiEV four out of five stars for crash safety, scoring 28.35 out of 37. This score takes into account a 10.95 out of 16 rating in the frontal offset crash test, and a score of 14.4 out of 16 received for the side impact test.[44]

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2012 model year i-Miev a four out of five-star crash rating.[45]

Production

Full production of the i-MiEV started in July 2009 and Mitsubishi expected initial sales volume to be small, to sell up to 1,400 vehicles by March 2010, but expected sales to rise to 5,000 vehicles in the following twelve months, once retail sales had started.[46] Mitsubishi decided to target sales to corporate customers in Japan at first to allow local governments and businesses to set up recharging stations around the country. The company said initial sales were constrained by production capacity but expects production to ramp up quickly from 2,000 units in 2009/10 to 30,000 vehicles within three years as it expands production of lithium-ion battery through Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture with GS Yuasa Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation.[47][48][49] Production was projected to increase to 9,000 units in its fiscal year 2010/11, and to 18,000 in the following twelve months.[46][needs update]

Production of the left-hand drive European-spec i-MiEV began in October 2010.[50][51] By the end of November 2010 cumulative production had reached 5,000 units at Mitsubitshi's Mizushima Plant.[50] In May 2011 Mitsubishi announced a new production target of 25,000 i-MiEVs worldwide in fiscal year 2011. The carmaker also plans to export about 15,000 units overseas, mainly to Europe, where the company will promote sales to the European public sector, such as police departments and local governments.[52] Production of the American-spec Mitsubishi i electric car began in late October 2011.[53] Since July 2009 Mitsubishi had manufactured more than 33,000 i-MiEVs and rebadge versions by March 2013,[54] including more than 11,000 units rebadged in France as Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero, and sold in the European market.[16][55]

In August 2012, and as a result of Europe's debt crisis that resulted in PSA Peugeot Citroën (PSA) Group slow sales, Mitsubishi Motors announced the suspension of its supply of the i-MiEV electric vehicle to PSA, although the period for supplying vehicles under their contract as part of original equipment manufacturer agreements has not yet ended. The suspension is part of the decision of several Japanese manufacturers to suspend their joint development projects and contracts with several European partners.[56][57] By early August 2012, PSA had sold a total of 6,575 Peugeot iOns and Citroën C-Zeros since their launch in Europe in 2010, while Mitsubishi had assembled almost 11,000 electric cars destined to PSA, leaving the French carmaker with more than 4,400 electric cars in unsold inventory. PSA only sold 50% of the sales target set for 2011 and according to PSA the supply was only temporarily interrupted.[16]

In May 2014, PSA Peugeot Citroën Chief Executive, Carlos Tavares, announced that the carmaker will decide over the next 12 months whether to continue selling electric vehicles manufactured by its partner Mitsubishi. Sales of both of PSA rebadged electric cars fell significantly from 2012 to 2013 as a result of new competition from Nissan, Renault and BMW.[58]

Production ceased in March 2021.[citation needed]

Year Worldwide production Notes
C-ZERO iOn i-MiEV
2009 1,710[59]
2010 425[60] 425[60] 7,646[59] C-ZERO and iOn launched.
2011 3,377[61] 3,257[61] 8,161[59] 3,607 total Peugeot iOns produced.
3,724 total Citroën C-ZEROs produced.[61]
2012 1,800[62] 1,800[62] TBA 5,400 total Peugeot iOns produced.
5,500 total Citroën C-ZEROs produced.[62]

Markets and sales