Mitsubishi has updated its i-MiEV electric car with two new trim levels, giving the higher-level model an extended range and other enhancements and introducing a lower-spec entry level version.
The entry-level “M” will be available at the readily affordable price of ¥1,880,000 ($23,200) after receipt of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s eco-car subsidy.
The higher-level “G” will sport a more comprehensive equipment and trim specification with extended cruising range per charge and the “MiEV Remote System” that allows the owner to set the time he wants battery charging to start and finish and to pre-activate the climate control system before entering the car.
The “M” model will debut in Mitsubishi dealer showrooms throughout Japan on July 25 and the “G” model in the middle of August carrying a price tag ranging from ¥2,600,000 to ¥3,800,000 ($32,100 to $47,000) consumption tax inclusive.
Entry-level M
The newly offered “M” trim level is targeted as an entry-level model for a wide spectrum of drivers including minicar owners. The use of a 10.5 kWh drive battery and the careful tailoring of the equipment and trim specification have made it possible to offer “M” at a much more accessible price. The M model can go 120 km (75 miles) on a full charge measured under a stricter Japanese fuel economy reading.
Higher-level G
Inheriting the original i-MiEV’s specification, the “G” is offered as a higher capable trim level and targets customers with a keen interest in environmental issues and in advanced technologies. Product content has been significantly raised with the use of LED headlamps and rear combination lamps, 15-inch alloy road wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and other high-grade equipment. “G” also features a navigation system and heated seats (driver and front passenger) as standard and offers all this at a price lower than that of the original i-MiEV.
Using the same 16.0 kWh battery as the original i-MiEV, “G” now realizes around 20% increase in its single charge range or up to 180 km (110 miles).
Mitsubishi became the first major automaker to mass-produce pure electric cars with i-MiEV and leads the segment so far with 10,000 vehicles sold globally since mid-2009. It has exported another 4,000 electric cars for sale under PSA Peugeot Citroen’s brands.
Japanese rival Nissan Motor Co. has sold 8,500 LEAF electric cars globally since its launch in December 2010.
Specification comparison
| Trim level | M | G | |
| Vehicle weight | 1070 kg | 1110 kg | |
| Performance (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism figures) | AC consumption (JC08-cycle) | 110 Wh/km | |
| Range/charge (JC08-cycle) | 120 km | 180 km | |
| Motor | Type | Permanent magnet synchronous | |
| Model | Y4F1 | ||
| Max. output | 30kW [41PS]/ 2000~6000rpm | 47kW [64PS]/ 3000~6000rpm | |
| Max. torque | 180N･m[18.4kgf･m]/ 0~1000rpm | 180N･m[18.4kgf･m]/ 0~2000rpm | |
| Traction battery | Type | Lithium-ion | |
| Rated voltage | 270V | 330V | |
| Rated capacity | 10.5kWh | 16.0kWh | |
| Battery charging time | AC 200V(15Amp) | Approx. 4.5 hrs (full charge) | Approx. 7 hrs (full charge) |
| AC 100V(10Amp)* 2 | Approx. 14 hrs (full charge) | Approx. 21 hrs (full charge) | |
| Quick charge *3 | Approx. 15 min (80%) | Approx. 30 min (80%) | |
