Mitsubishi promised a fall 2011 launch for the i MiEV here within the US, and we’re happy to report the corporate is true on schedule — as long as you reside in California, Oregon, Washington, or Hawaii. Those states often is the first to peer the subcompact on the dealership this November. The all-electric car will make its debut within the northeastern US by March of next year, with the a nationwide rollout expected by December 2012. The fundamental ES model will start at $27,990, while the SE demands $29,990 for luxuries like a leather covered steering wheel and “upgrade[d] seating material.” Both are eligible for a federal tax credit of as much as $7,500, that could push the cost of entry right down to just above $20,000 — making the the Mitsubishi i almost as easy for your wallet because it is in the world. PR after the break.
Thu, Apr 21, 2011
The breakthrough Mitsubishi i is the cheapest 100% electric-powered mass-market production vehicle available in North America. Its net MSRP* after federal tax credit is a really affordable $20,490 for a standard ES model and only $22,490 for the upgrade SE version, making the starting price for the all-new Mitsubishi i several thousand lower than other mass produced electric vehicles in the market.
Powered by Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) technology, the rear-wheel drive vehicle’s drive system features a 49 kW (66 bhp) AC synchronous electric motor; an 88 cell, 330V lithium-ion battery pack for a peak storage of 16 kWh; and a single fixed reduction gear transmission. This electric motor is able to producing its peak torque of 145 lb. ft. almost instantaneously when accelerating from a standstill; the vehicle has a top speed of roughly 80 mph.
This electric vehicle’s (EV) shift selector allows the motive force to make a choice from three different drive settings so as to optimize driving fun, increase driving efficiency or to amplify energy recycling from the vehicle’s regenerative braking system:
“D”-position
Allows the motive force to experience maximum performance because it generates 100% torque in direct response to accelerator input.
“Eco”-position
Helps to minimize the velocity of battery consumption to maximise “energy” economy.
“B”-position
Increases the regenerative brake biasing to reinforce energy recycling (power production is equal to inside the “D” position).
The Mitsubishi i’m able to be recharged using three advantageous methods: A 240V/15A Level 2 home EVSE Eaton charging system (estimated charge time from very low battery to full charge – 6 hours; charging method recommended by Mitsubishi), a CHAdeMO Level 3 public quick charging station (estimated charge time from very low battery to 80% full – half-hour; requires optional DC charging port available as an option on SE trim level), and thru the traditional 120V Level 1 portable charging cable that plugs right into a standard wall outlet (estimated charge time from very low battery to full charge – 22.5 hours; included on all Mitsubishi i models),.
The targeted driving range of the Mitsubishi i is an extremely robust 85 miles/charge (based upon the EPA LA4 city cycle). All Mitsubishi i models include an 8-year/100,000 mile battery warranty.
The Mitsubishi i’ll be compact in its overall dimensions, but this EV’s clever packaging and design make for terribly roomy and cozy accommodations for four adult-size passengers. With its relatively tall roofline, rear-mounted electric motor and battery pack placed safely and securely in a watertight, stainless-steel safety cell underneath the ground of the passenger compartment, even the rear passengers will experience an extremely satisfying degree of legroom. There’s even a small cargo area in the back of the vehicle that’s greater than able to carrying numerous bags of groceries or purchases from the local mall. And with the 50/50 rear seats folded flat, the cargo capacity expands greatly, allowing the Mitsubishi i to become the popular vehicle for weekend trips for bulkier items at a coupon warehouse or remodeling retailer.
Comfort and convenience features included on every Mitsubishi i include energy-efficient HVAC systems together with an electrical manual air conditioner with micron filter and an electrical compressor cabin heater, a driver’s side heated seat, power windows/mirrors/door locks, a sweet-sounding 4 speaker 100-watt AM/FM/CD speakers with MP3/WMA playback, auxiliary 12V DC power outlet, 3-spoke steering wheel, floor mats, vehicle security system and the very clever MiEV remote system that permits the battery pack to be charged via timer in addition to pre-activating either the air-con or heater.
Optional features available at the upgrade SE trim model include a Premium Package ($2790) featuring an HDD navigation system with rearview camera, FUSE Hands-free Link System™ with USB port and handy steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a DC quick charging port that enables the Mitsubishi i battery pack to be rapidly recharged from one of many many Level 3 chargers which are installed around North America (with more being installed day-to-day) – only half-hour to take a particularly low battery level your complete way as much as 80% full!
Residents of cold climate regions (ambient temperatures that could drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit) are strongly recommended to exploit the very reasonably-priced Cold Zone package ($150) that features a Li-Ion Battery Warming system and heated outside side mirrors. This package is out there on both ES and SE trim levels.
Standard security features on every Mitsubishi i include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); brake override system; Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS), side air bags and side curtain air bags. Specialized EV-related safety items include a high-voltage cut-off system and an Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) to assist alert pedestrians to the upcoming vehicle.
Mitsubishi anticipates an initial rollout in their game-changing EV into its dealership network in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii by November 2011, followed by the northeastern U.S. market by March 2012 with nationwide availability expected by December 2012.
*Includes federal tax credit of as much as $7500. Retail MSRP of ES starts $27,990 and SE starts at $29,990
Key Specifications
Wheelbase: 100.4 in.
Length: 144.8 in.
Height: 63.6 in.
Width: 62.4 in.
Curb weight: 2,595 lbs.
Major Standard Features
145/65 R15 front and 175/60 R15 rear low rolling resistant tires
100-watt AM/FM/CD speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability and four speakers
On-board recharging system with 120V portable 8 amp charging cable
MiEV remote system (pre-activated air con, heater and timer battery charging)
Front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes with regenerative brake power system
Speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Approaching Vehicle Speakers (AVAS) for alerting pedestrians
Electric manual air-con with micron filter
Electric compressor cabin heater
Driver seat heater
Advanced air bag system with dual-stage supplemental front air bags
3-spoke steering wheel
Driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant protection
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and brake override system
Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
Tire Pressure monitoring System (TPMS)
High voltage cut-off system
Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
Remote keyless entry
Power windows, locks and mirrors
LED rear combination tail lamps
50/50-split fold-down and recline rear seats
Optional Cold Zone Package, includes Li-Ion battery Warming System, heated outer side mirrors
Mitsubishi i SE adds:
15-in. alloy wheels
360-watt, 8 speaker deluxe audio system
Leather wrap steering wheel and shift knob
Upgrade seating material
Fog lamps with DRL function
Auto on/off headlamps
Silver interior accents
2-tone instrument panel (brown/black)
Passenger vanity mirror
Optional Cold Zone package includes Li-Ion Battery Warming system, heated outer side mirrors
Optional Premium package includes HDD navigation system with rearview camera monitor, FUSE Hands-free Link™ with USB port and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, DC port for fast charger, Li-Ion Battery Warming system, heated outer side mirrors
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