However, four more countries, Finland, Serbia, Turkey, and Slovenia, have also made requests to introduce the i-MiEV. As a result, Mitsubishi is planning to ship cars there in the near future, increasing the number of European markets for their electric car to 19. MMC began production of the i-MiEVs for Europe from October of last year and has finished about 2,500 models (including Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-ZERO) since then.
The i-MiEV replaces the conventional gasoline engine, transmission and fuel tank with a 330-volt lithium-ion battery system located under the floor deck, electric motor and onboard charging system. The electric motor that drives the rear wheels develops 47 kW or 64 hp and 180 Nm or 132.8 lb-ft of maximum torque. The battery can reach a full charge status in 6 hours if a standard 220V outlet is used, or an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes with a rapid charger. On a full charge, the i-MiEV has a range of 50-80 miles (80 to 120 km).
Japanese engineers have always been creative in finding space for components inside a limiting space. Given the small size of the i-MiEV, the carmaker had to devise a way in which the lithium-ion battery doesn't limit the existing space even more. That's why the batteries are located under the cabin, with the electric motor, inverter and other components located below and behind the rear passenger seats.
Google News