PluginMitsubishiiMiEV

The Mitsubishi "i" car has been a huge success in Japan since
its launch in 2006. Now California is making moves to do fleet
testing of Mitsubishi's electric vehicles in the United States.

Is America ready for the "i" car, a rear engine, uber compact
import that is low on emissions and fuel consumption or is it too
late to break away from the 'bigger is better' obsession?

In this video WebRidesTV host Jessyca Rayanne interviews the
Chief Designer of Mitsubishi R&D of America, Inc. Design Studio
at the 2008 Mitsubishi Owner's Day in Southern California. Get
an inside look at what Mitsubishi has planned for electric cars in
the U.S.!

Random Note: Mitsubishi got the "iCar" name BEFORE Apple
could add it to their long line of "i" products including the popular
iPhones, iPods and iMacs... Wonder what Apple's version of an
"iCar" would look like...

“i MiEV” is an electric vehicle based on the gasoline-driven 660cc “i” minicar...The i MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle. Even when taking into account
CO2 emissions at the power plants that generate the power needed for charging the car, it emits only approximately 30% of the CO2 of a gasoline
minicar. The cost per kilometer to drive the i MiEV is one third that of a comparable gasoline vehicle. Depending on the cost of electricity, cost per
kilometer can drop as low as one ninth that of gasoline, for example when charged during off-peak or night-time hours. Strong acceleration is achieved
through a compact and highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates high torque from a low speed. Because the vehicle uses an
electric motor free of the vertical vibration associated with gasoline engines, it runs extremely quietly. Using the on-board charger, the vehicle can be
charged with a 100V or 200V power source in the home. In addition, if quick-chargers currently being developed by power companies are used, it will be
possible to charge the vehicle in a short time...Based on the “i” minicar’s rear-midship layout platform, “i MiEV” replaces the conventional engine,
transmission and fuel tank with a lithium-ion battery system, motor, inverter and other EV components. The long wheelbase, a feature of rear-midship
layout, provides space for high capacity lithium-ion batteries under the floor. It also enables the motor and inverter to be installed in the space that used
to house the conventional engine and transmission. “i MiEV” ensures ample cabin space for passengers(4-occupant capacity) and reasonable luggage
compartment space in the rear. The installation of batteries under the floor makes the “i MiEV” ’s center of gravity low, which provides a more stable
driving dynamic. EV batteries must have high energy density, and the “i MiEV” utilizes high energy density lithium-ion batteries. A module consists of 4
cells, and 22 modules make one battery pack. Thanks to the structure of the modules, which allows them to be installed in either a vertical or transverse
position, each high-capacity battery pack can fit under the floor. With these batteries installed, the target range is 160km (driving pattern: Japan 10-15
mode) for fleet monitoring test vehicles in 2008. Highly efficient motor can be built smaller than gasoline engine, while still producing high torque at low
revolutions. The “i MiEV” ’s small, light weight, highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor provides sportier, quieter driving and power superior
to the gasoline “i” ’s turbo charged 660cc engine. “i MiEV” accepts three types of battery charging systems: The household charger system (100V,200V)
for charging at home or a parking lot, and the quick-charger system for speedy charging. With the household charger system, “i MiEV” could be charged
from either a 100V or 200V ordinary electric outlet via the household charger plug located on the right side of the vehicle. With the quick-charger system,
“i MiEV” could be charged in short time via the quick-charger plug located on the left side of the vehicle. [Via Mitsubishi-Motors.com]