Mitsubishi EV set for UK release
Summary
After its release in the Japanese market in July 2009, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is set to be unleashed in selected European markets from December 2010.
Based on the “i" minicar platform, the engine and fuel tank of the electric car, is replaced with a lithium-ion traction battery pack, electric motor, inverter and other EV components. The EV is therefore able to maintain the seating and luggage-space capabilities of the i minicar.
The Mitsubishi can be charged from household outlets, with an estimated charging time of six hours from low warning. Via the “Quick Charger System" however, the car can be recharged from zero per cent power to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.
The i-MiEV uses a compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that has been specially designed for the vehicle. The EV is also equipped with a regenerative braking system, where energy is recovered “in" drive.
The Japanese EV is fitted with a lightweight transmission that eliminates the need for complex gear shifts, as well as an on-board charger, and alongside these two systems sits the “MiEV OS" – operating system.
This is an integrated vehicle management system that gathers information and data from the major EV components to give effective management of the cars performance, says Mitsubishi.
The system optimises and minimises the energy consumption of the cars on-road performance.
The i-MiEV has a top speed of 81 mph as well as a wide range of active and passive safety features.
UK delivery for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV will begin in December 2010.