| The Mitsubishi iMiEV picks up a major US auto show debut in New York this week. The iMiEV (pronounced eye-meev) is an electric conversion based off the Japanese domestic market model, called i. The i falls into what is called the "kei" class in Japan, with engines limited to 660cc.
The i has a layout similar to Daimler's Smart ForTwo, with a rear-mounted engined driving the rear wheels. However, it has a longer wheelbase providing room for a rear seat and four doors.
In the electrically driven iMiEV, the gasoline engine is replaced by a 47kw, 180Nm permanent magnet motor still driving the rear wheels. The lithium ion battery pack is mounted below the floor while the power electronic module sits above the motor, behind the rear seat.
The battery modules are produced by a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corp, Mitsubishi Motors and battery manufacturer GS Yuasa, called Lithium Energy Japan. The 330V battery pack consists of 88 cells and has a 16kWh capacity.
In the diminutive iMiEV, the battery has the capacity to drive the car about 80 miles on full charge. A 30 minute charge will get the battery up to an 80 percent charge, with a full charge taking 14 hours at 110V, or half that at 220V.
The top speed of the iMiEV is approximately 80mph, making it adequate for highway commuting within reasonable distances. The 100in wheelbase and tall stance of the iMiEV means plenty of room inside for four adults to sit comfortably.
Mitsubishi has a field test fleet of 40 iMiEVs currently operating with six different electric utility companies in Japan. The company has built a fleet of 100 of the electric cars to date and are currently evaluating other potential test customers. The company hopes to bring some of the cars to the US for testing, although no customers or timetables have been announced.
Mitsubishi plans to start producing the iMiEV for the Japanese market in 2009. Initial battery production capacity will limit volumes to approximately 2,000 per year at first. Mitsubishi is still evaluating whether to federalize and export the standard i and iMiEV to the US market.
MARCH 2008 |
