This left-hand drive concept isn’t new (it debuted at the 2009 Geneva motor show), but the language surrounding its North American debut is quite interesting. Mitsubishi claims this iteration of i MiEV “hints at future possibilities,” and represents a step towards an eventual US-spec model.Changes to the basic i package make such dreams plausible. The i MiEV is still microscopic, but designers widened the front and rear track by 3.7 and 5.3 inches, respectively. The car’s width – a scant 59.8 inches – is greater than the Japanese-market model, and both front and rear overhangs have been increased by two inches to provide better crash protection.
In spite of these changes, the LHD concept shares its driveline with “normal” i MiEV prototypes. A 63-hp electric motor drives the rear wheels up to 81 mph, and is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. It takes approximately 7 hours to recharge the battery from 220-volt outlets (14 hours, if using a 110-volt source), although a three-phase ‘quick charger’ provides an 80-percent charge in approximately 30 minutes.
In addition to the environmental benefits of an electric car, Mitsubishi says owners could also experience a cost benefit. Compared to the gasoline-powered i microcar, the electric version is nearly 66 percent less expensive to operate. If owners charge the i MiEV during off-peak hours, the car’s operating costs are 1/9th that of the gas i
This left-hand drive concept isn’t new (it debuted at the 2009 Geneva motor show), but the language surrounding its North American debut is quite interesting. Mitsubishi claims this iteration of i MiEV “hints at future possibilities,” and represents a step towards an eventual US-spec model.
Changes to the basic i package make such dreams plausible. The i MiEV is still microscopic, but designers widened the front and rear track by 3.7 and 5.3 inches, respectively. The car’s width – a scant 59.8 inches – is greater than the Japanese-market model, and both front and rear overhangs have been increased by two inches to provide better crash protection.
In spite of these changes, the LHD concept shares its driveline with “normal” i MiEV prototypes. A 63-hp electric motor drives the rear wheels up to 81 mph, and is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. It takes approximately 7 hours to recharge the battery from 220-volt outlets (14 hours, if using a 110-volt source), although a three-phase ‘quick charger’ provides an 80-percent charge in approximately 30 minutes.
In addition to the environmental benefits of an electric car, Mitsubishi says owners could also experience a cost benefit. Compared to the gasoline-powered i microcar, the electric version is nearly 66 percent less expensive to operate. If owners charge the i MiEV during off-peak hours, the car’s operating costs are 1/9th that of the gas i
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