A Brief Look at the Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The Evolution of Mitsubishi i-MiEV: From the Beginning to Present
Mitsubishi i-MiEV, a subcompact electric vehicle (EV), has come a long way since its inception in 2006. Initially launched in Japan, the model has gradually become more widely available across the global market.
Over the last decade, Mitsubishi has introduced three different generations of the i-MiEV EV to the market, each with its own variations and enhancements. This article will cover the history and evolution of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicle by taking a closer look at each generation and detailing the advancements made in each.
The First Generation: 2006–2009
The first generation Mitsubishi i-MiEV made its debut in 2006, as a prototype, in Japan. The compact and simple EV was built on the gasoline-powered i car platform. A year later, in 2007, Mitsubishi launched the i-MiEV for fleet purposes, meaning that only businesses and governmental institutions could lease the model.
A year later, in 2008, the automaker began accepting orders for the i-MiEV, leading to approximately 2,000 sales by the end of the next year. Though the model’s driving range was just 100 km (62 miles) on a single charge, the plucky electric car became popular for its practicality and fuel efficiency.
The Second Generation: 2010–2016
In 2010, Mitsubishi released the second generation of the i-MiEV worldwide. The newer design integrated the battery pack into the chassis, which increased the driving range to 160 km (100 miles) on a single charge. Additionally, the motor was enhanced with an improved torque output of 180 Nm, providing more power and acceleration.
In 2012, the i-MiEV underwent a facelift that included changes to the exterior design. The move brought subtle alterations to the bumpers and headlights, as well as a few interior updates. The improvements didn’t significantly impact the range or power of the vehicle. The same year, a version of the i-MiEV called the Peugeot iOn was launched in Europe. It was nearly identical to the i-MiEV, with only minor design variations.
The Third Generation: 2016–Present
In 2016, Mitsubishi introduced the third-generation i-MiEV. This version had a more modern design and an upgraded motor with a torque output of 196 Nm. The driving range was also increased to 180 km (112 miles) on a single charge, thanks to a larger battery.
This i-MiEV has been rebranded the Citroën C-Zero. Designed and engineered with the same platform, the C-Zero provides an identical driving experience to the i-MiEV.
I-MiEV Variations and Versions Within Each Generation
Throughout each generation, there have been variations of the i-MiEV that Mitsubishi released. Below are the known i-MiEV models within each generation:
The First Generation
– i-MiEV Prototype: The first-ever Mitsubishi i-MiEV that was created in 2006.
– i-MiEV for Fleet Usage: The second i-MiEV model from 2007 until the end of 2008, which was initially only available to the industry.
– i-MiEV (i-MiEV M and i-MiEV G): It was a commercialized version of the i-MiEV for everyday users. These models were released in 2008.
The Second Generation
– i-MiEV M (2010–2011): The first model of the second generation released and is only available in Japan.
– i-MiEV G (2010–2011): A minor variation of the i-MiEV M for commercial purposes only.
– i-MiEV SE (2012–2015): Equipped with high-tech features such as Bluetooth connectivity.
– i-MiEV ES (2012–2015): A variant of the i-MiEV SE, seen only in Japan.
– Peugeot iOn (2012–2015): A variant of the i-MiEV that features similar capabilities to the standard model.
The Third Generation
– i-MiEV SP (2016–present): A high-end model that features high-tech features like xenon headlights and a selection of grille inserts.
– i-MiEV E (2016–present): Similar to the standard i-MiEV, but available only in Japan.
– Citroën C-Zero (2016–present): A crossover styled model built on the same platform as the i-MiEV.
RunBidSell Insights
Over the last 15 years, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has evolved from a prototype to a practical, everyday compact electric vehicle. With three generations and several models within each, Mitsubishi has continually improved the i-MiEV’s driving range, torque, and overall quality.
Now, with the number of electric vehicles on the rise, the i-MiEV continues to be an innovator in the market for compact and efficient electric cars. With more advancements and improvements likely on the horizon for the model, it remains an exciting, sustainable transportation option for drivers worldwide.