2012 Mitsubishi i - First Drive

Portland, Oregon, is a marvelous example of an eco-friendly city that is trying to be the most environmentally aware city in America. So it’s no surprise that Mitsubishi Motors of America chose it for the launch of the iMiEV. After all, this is a city with a downtown free-rail zone for public transportation, solar-powered parking meters, 315 miles of in-city bikeways and 10,000 acres of parkland. And it boasts the nation’s first Electric Avenue—a street at Portland State University that features seven EV charging stations, including a quick-charge station.

So, the U.S. introduction of the Mitsubishi i was well placed in Oregon’s largest city. The i made its debut in Japan in 2005 with a gasoline engine and was named Japan’s Car of the Year. The electric version came to market in July 2009 in Japan, and entered the European scene in 2010. The U.S. version is quite similar, but it does have to meet U.S. safety and crash standards, so it is 4.3 inches wider and 8.0 in. longer than the other versions. Also the track of the car was increased to improve stability and handling.

Driving the i around Portland and its outskirts was quite entertaining as the car’s styling draws immediate attention from other motorists and pedestrians. And while the rear end design is a bit funky for my tastes, the overall look of this Mitsubishi is distinctive and—dare I say it—cute. The interior space is quite generous and there is ample room for four adults, with plenty of head room and adequate rear-seat leg room. There is even a useful luggage compartment behind the rear seat for odds and ends. Two trim levels are offered: the basic ES with a black interior and the SE premium with upgraded interior fabrics, etc.

As with most electrics, there is no motor noise although there is a slight whine from the drivetrain. The Motor Control Unit is the critical component and is the main brain of the power system. It’s joined by the on-board charger and the AC/DC converter. There are 88 small battery cells (lithium-ion) fitted into 22 battery-pack modules that rest beneath the floor in the center of the car and weigh some 600 to 700 lb. The battery pack is sealed in a stainless-steel case to prevent damage in the event of an accident.

The transmission feature a fixed reduction gear and a shifter three shift positions (in addition to park): Eco is used for urban and heavy traffic situations and is most efficient; D is for maximum power for climbing hills; and B provides high-level regeneration braking to supply energy to the batteries.

Deliveries of the Mitsubishi i will begin in December and will be limited initially to California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Prices are $21,625 for the ES, and $23,625 for the SE, and there is a $7500 federal tax credit after purchase. The Mitsubishi i has a range of 98 miles, fully charged, and the EPA uses a figure of 70 percent of that total for a range of 69 miles between charges. The i comes with three charging methods: a 120-volt cable for emergency needs (it would take 22.5 hours to fully charge the batteries); a 240-volt EVSE optional home charge dock that will do a full charge in seven hours; and a public quick-charge port that will reach an 80-percernt charge in 20-30 minutes—this is a $700 option in the ES but standard in the SE version.