Mitsubishi Keeps Testing, Improving i MiEV Electric Car
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 02.11.08
TreeHugger has been keeping an eye on the Mitsubishi i MiEV since 2005. Christine first wrote about the concept CT-MiEV and its drivetrain. Collin then had a look at the Mitsubishi "i" concept, then Jacob covered the first i MiEV prototypes, and later Justin wrote about another concept, the i MiEV Sport. Now's the time for another look since the most recent version shows a 23% increase in range among other improvements. Lets have a look.
The first prototype we looked at had these specs:
The i-MiEV is powered by a compact 47 kW motor that develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque and a 330V, 16 kWh or 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is 130 kph (81 mph), with a range of up to 130 km (81 miles) for the 16 kWh pack or 160 km (99 miles) for the 20 kWh pack. The motor is coupled to a reduction gear and differential to drive both rear wheels.
The latest version has a new lithium-ion battery, a more efficient electric motor (10% lighter), a new inverter (30% smaller) and tires that rotate with less resistance.
The range has been boosted to 160 km (99 miles) with the 16 kWh battery, which is 23% better than before. This means that the car can either be sold for less with the smaller battery, or with an even longer range and the bigger one. No word on top speed, but we can probably assume it's still close to 130 kph (81 mph).
But don't hold your breath. Mitsubishi and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) have been test-driving prototypes and the testing phase won't be over until March 2009. With some luck, this electric car or another one based on this drivetrain will be available in 2010.
Before you ask: "Mitsubishi plans to sell the commercial version in 2010 for less than ¥2 million (US$17,000)."
::Mitsubishi and TEPCO Testing Latest Version of i MiEV Electric Car
See also: ::XS500 by Miles: $30,000 $60,000 Electric Car in 2009 [Updated], ::First Production Electric Tesla Roadster Delivered
Convergence point. Has anyone else noticed that nearly every prototype except Tesla ends up looking like the SmartCar?
Wow ! This car is cool looking - kind of Prius/Smarte looking.
I hope it won't cost a million bux.
vsk
I think it looks good. Not too far from the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. Probably more aerodynamic. With some slight modification and a nice black coat of paint, I think it would look kick ass on the roads of 2010.
Oh just stop teasing me..........
"tires that rotate with less resistance." ... ummm how? Choosing smoother or narrower tires is not really an advancement in the design of the car.... But how else can this be done?
Doesn't this look almost the same as the Tata Nano?
""tires that rotate with less resistance." ... ummm how? "
Typically with less sticky tires, i.e., not high performance tires. It works on small light cars, but sacrifices perfromance
I believe the Insight or Prius came with low rolling resistance tires.
" "tires that rotate with less resistance." ... ummm how? Choosing smoother or narrower tires is not really an advancement in the design of the car.... But how else can this be done? "
The answer is in the engineering of the mechanical parts. Thiner tires would reduce friction with the road, not rotational resistance... Better/re-designed wheel bearings for one, possibly a re-design on the entire wheel hub/bearing/spindle assembly.
"Thiner tires would reduce friction with the road, not rotational resistance..."
Yeah, what I thought. And given that the tires don't rotate on the rim... I guess they meant the wheel assembly, not the tire.
small but usefull car. thanks
Baring some unexpected breakthrough elsewhere, (x-prize) I'm thinking this is the eletric car for me. The timeline though is a bit long, but if I can put a downpayment on the beauty to reserve one by March of the coming year, I would likely do so. Otherwise its the Aptera, except for it won't be available in the Midwest til about the same time.
This is a fantastic car, the cost should be good too, of course quoted prices in dollars normally double for euro in Europe. I want one :)