2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

MSRP Range:
$29,125 - $31,125
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Select a Trim below for more detailed vehicle information

2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Trims	MSRP	Fuel	Engine
4dr HB ES	$29,125		Electric
4dr HB SE	$31,125		Electric

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The 2012 Mitsubishi i will be offered in two different models: the base ES and a premium SE model. Mechanically, the two trims are the same; the i packs a 49-kW (68-horsepower) AC synchronous electric motor and single-speed reduction-gear transmission near the back of this rear-wheel-drive minicar. ...more

The system is powered by a 16-kWh, 300-volt lithium-ion battery pack and can give the i a driving range of up to about 100 miles--although it's rated by the EPA at 62 miles. Recharging takes about 22 hours on a 110-volt household socket, or in about seven hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger. Level 3 quick charging (if the vehicle is so optioned) can get the MiEV's battery from zero up to 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes.

The batteries are housed in a waterproof stainless-steel safety cell below the passenger-compartment floor, and if they become too warm, cooled air from the ventilation system is circulated to the pack. During normal driving, regenerative braking helps recover some energy during coasting or braking. The Mitsubishi i comes with an Eco mode that helps save energy and increase range, while a 'B' shifter position helps maximize the regenerative braking.

While the Mitsubishi i is designed to be an urban vehicle, it's not completely out of place on the highway, and is capable of more than 80 mph The Mitsubishi i gets what are pretty typical small-car components for steering and suspension--a front strut setup and de Dion 3-link rear. Staggered tires--wider in back than in front--help keep this rear-wheel-drive vehicle stable and secure.

The Mitsubishi i is just 145 inches long; yet it can accommodate four adults if needed, thanks to the relatively high roofline and short overhangs that help maximize passenger space within the small overall footprint. And thanks to a wheelbase of 100.4 inches--relatively long for such a short vehicle--the Mitsubishi i rides smoothly, without bobbing fore and aft as some minicars tend to do. Also, the interior is surprisingly quiet most of the time, with the near-silent electric powertrain never obtrusive.

Standard features on the base model include heated driver's seat, air conditioning, and a 4-speaker, 100-watt sound system. LED taillamps also help save energy. SE models add alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, fog lamps, and a 2-tone interior treatment with silver accents. On the SE, a Cold Zone package adds heated mirrors and a battery warming system, while a Premium Package adds to the SE equipment a hard-drive-based navigation system, the Chademo-connector DC quick-charging port, Mitsubishi's FUSE hands-free link for Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and steering-wheel audio controls.

On the safety front, the i includes front seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain bags. Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are also included.

2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Model Changes

The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, or simply 2012 Mitsubishi i as it's called in North America, is an all-electric minicar and a completely new model for the U.S. The i, which is based on an international-market, gasoline-powered minicar of the same name, is capable of going 62 miles or more on a charge and able to go more than 80 mph. The 5-passenger Mitsubishi i can carry four adults, and it will charge on a standard household (110V) socket, with a 220V installed charger, or (if equipped) with a DC fast-charger.

For its first model year, the i will only be available in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii, but the company is taking orders nationally and will be selling the model nationally by late in the 2012 calendar year.

2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Value

The 2012 Mitsubishi i is not only one of the first regular-production electric cars for sale in the U.S. market; for 2012, it's the lowest-priced, fully electric passenger car available to Americans--costing as little as $21,625 after the $7,500 federal tax credit, which is thousands less than the Nissan LEAF. And, at an EPA-rated 112 miles per gallon equivalent, it's not only the most energy-efficient of the few electric cars already on sale but also the most energy-efficient U.S. car regardless of fuel.

Although the i-MiEV is quite a bit smaller than the Nissan LEAF, it offers nearly as much passenger space, and for those who plan to stay in the city, it offers even better maneuverability and parking ease than the trend-setting Nissan.

2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Strengths

Breakthough electric powertrain; enough range for most commuters; seating for four; available quick-charging system; incredible maneuverability; simple and intuitive to drive Hide

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