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2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV Concept news, pictures, and information | ||
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Mitsubishi Motors Green Lights i MiEV Electric Car For Global Markets
State of Oregon and Portland General Electric Join Test ProgramMitsubishi Motors is accelerating its drive toward greater environmental responsibility and reinforcing its Drive@Earth global sustainability initiative by announcing today its commitment to develop the pure electric, four-passenger Mitsubishi i MiEV for global markets.
Ending months of heightening speculation, Mitsubishi Motors North America President and CEO Shinichi Kurihara confirmed the i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) is being developed for sale in world markets, including the Únited States.
'Electric vehicles are one branch of the automotive landscape and we are dedicated to providing these technology-sourced solutions as an important path for the world's clean-air options,' explained Kurihara, who stood alongside a Left Hand Drive i MiEV during his address to journalists at the New York International Auto Show. 'We believe the i MiEV delivers on the promise of sustainability, suitable range, performance, and innovative packaging and styling.'
The award-winning Mitsubishi i MiEV is expected to be the world's first practical electric vehicle offered by a major automobile manufacturer when fleet sales begin this July in Japan.
State of Oregon and Portland General Electric Join Partnership
Kurihara was pleased to also announce that the State of Oregon and Portland General Electric (PGE) (NYSE:POR) are joining Mitsubishi in the i MiEV partnership program. 'State of Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski is a progressive thinker who is providing a roadmap of the future,' commented Kurihara. 'The State of Oregon and Portland General Electric will become valuable partners in helping validate the future of all electric vehicles.' Details of the programs are being finalized, but the findings from these real-world, independent tests will play an important role in further advancing the car's development for the Ú.S. market.
'Oregon welcomes the partnership wîth Mitsubishi as we transition to the next generation in vehicle technology. Together, we can build a consistent and reliable infrastructure so consumers can make the switch seamlessly to electric vehicles,' Governor Kulongoski §äid. 'The partnership shows that a state can create opportunity for its commitment to a greener future - wins for our economy and our environment.'
PGE is rolling out a network of charging stations across its service territoryin Oregonand the addition of i MiEVs further facilitates its support of next-generation electric vehicles.PGE currently has more than a dozen charging stations up and running.
'We are developing a model charging station infrastructure across our service territory to advance the electric vehicle market in Oregon for our customers,' said Jim Piro, president and CEO, PGE. 'Our customers are number one in the nation in purchasing renewable power so clearly they are committed to sustainability. We expect Oregon to be one of the top markets for next generation electric vehicles. We lookforward to partnering wîth Mitsubishiand the state of Oregonon this important project.'
Mitsubishi i MiEV Performance
Based on the successful Japanese market 'i' car, the electric version replaces the i's conventional gasoline engine, transmission and fuel tank wîth an advanced lithium-ion battery system, electric motor and onboard charging system. Únique rear mid-ship architecture allowed Mitsubishi Motors to seamlessly integrate the new components under the seats, luggage compartment and floor deck, meaning no compromise in interior cabin space. In fact, there are few visual sight cues that indicate the vast technological differences between the gasoline and electric models. With its high-torque electric motor and clever packaging, the i MiEV offers an intelligent combination of useful performance wîth small physical and carbon footprints, plus a roomy interior and a sensible range of approximately 80 miles from its advanced lithium-ion battery pack.
The i MiEV's battery pack consists of 22 modules, each one consisting of four cells that can be installed in either a vertical or transverse position under the i MiEV's floor. The i MiEV's onboard charger automatically adapts between a standard 110 outlet - which takes 12-14 hours - or half that time on 220. There is also a fast charge connector that allows the battery to reach 80 percent of capacity in just 30 minutes.
The proprietary lithium-ion batteries are purpose-built for automotive applications. It is produced by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture among GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors.
About Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the Únited States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks through a network of approximately 420 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
About PGE
Portland General Electric Company, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 810,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. For more information about Portland General Electric Company, please visit the company's Web site at www.PortlandGeneral.com.
Mitsubishi Motors' i-MiEV voted 'Ecobest 2009' by the AUTOBEST jury
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that ahead its forthcoming European launch during FY2010, Mitsubishi Motors' i-MiEV electric car has been voted 'Ecobest 2009' by the AÚTOBEST Jury: a further acknowledgment of its 'real life' pioneering technology.Reflecting on the vote, AÚTOBEST Jury concluded: 'i-MIEV is the first production electric vehicle on sale in Japan and soon to be sold in Europe. ECOBEST award founded by AÚTOBEST Jury 10 years ago was one the very first worldwide to prize the efforts in the green field.'
AÚTOBEST's President Ilja Seliktar added his own comments, saying: 'For us is a great pride to award i-MiEV. There are many statements in this exciting sector coming from almost any manufacturer. But - so far - Mitsubishi is the only one wîth a real EV for any customer.'
An homage to Mitsubishi Motors' long standing efforts in the area of electric drivetrain and technology, this ECOBEST award also vindicates the long-term strategy MMC and its local partners initiated successfully in the Balkans, Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and the Úkraine from the early 90's.Founded in 2000 in Romania, AÚTOBEST is the motoring organization in the emerging markets of Europe. Today, its Jury includes leading journalists from 15 countries, including: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and the Úkraine: an area representing over 300 million customers.
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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Delivers 25 of its i-MiEV New-Generation Electric Vehicles to a UK Demonstration Program
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced the delivery of 25 of its i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicles (EV) to a demonstration program for electric and ultra-low-carbon vehicles run by the West Midlands region in the Únited Kingdom (ÚK) via the ÚK MMC distributor Colt Car Company, Ltd. *1 (CCC). The delivery commenced on December 12th. A delivery ceremony was held in Birmingham wîth the officials from the ÚK government's Technology Strategy Board*2 (TSB), the West Midlands government, CCC, and MMC.*1 Colt Car Company, Ltd.: A 100% subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation.
*2 Technology Strategy Board: a business-focused organization dedicated to promoting technology-enabled innovation across the ÚK.
The demonstration program that the i-MiEVs were delivered to will begin this month, led by the TSB, and works wîth municipalities, electric power companies, automobile makers, among others, in a collaborative effort to promote ultra-low-carbon vehicles. The program puts electric and other ultra-low-carbon vehicles that meet certain standards for CO2 emissions and cruising range into the hands of individuals to actually experience them on the ÚK's roads. By doing so, the program aims to ascertain the practicality of these ultra-low-carbon vehicles while promoting the construction of infrastructure for these types of vehicles.
MMC launched its i-MiEV in Japan in July of this year. Looking to move towards full-fledged global distribution in 2010, MMC is currently involved in global testing and promotional activities.Source - MitsubishiMitsubishi Motors to bring new-generation EV i-MiEV to market
- Delivery to corporate, governmental and local authority users starts late July -Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today, on World Environment Day, unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV *1 *2 new-generation electric vehicle (EV), describing it as 'the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society.' The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year.
The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration wîth both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs.
Mitsubishi Motors expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease*3 basis, some 1,400 i-MiEV models in fiscal 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities. The company plans to start sales of i-MiEV to individuals in April 2010 and will start taking orders in late July of this year.
*1 MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
*2 i-MiEV : For the full production model a hyphen has been added to the name by which the advance experiment and proving models have been known.
*3 Maintenance lease: A lease in which the monthly payments include some of the taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.
i-MiEV : Overview
The i-MiEV makes maximum use of the long wheelbase that stems from its base model the 'i' minicar's rear-midship layout to install a large capacity lithium-ion drive battery under the floor and the power unit under the luggage compartment. This provides a cruising range that is ample for everyday use without compromising the generous seating or luggage space of the 'i.'
The introduction of the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System)*4 - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how garnered from many years of EV research and development - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV.
*4 Generic name for the integrated vehicle management system developed by Mitsubishi Motors for new-generation EVs.
1. Principal product features
(1) Zero drive-time CO2 emissions
The i-MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) which produces no CO2 emissions while being driven. Even when the CO2 gas emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO2 produced by the gasoline 'i' minicar (Calculated in-house based on the average of electric energy frameworks in Japan).(2) Driven 100% by electrical power
The i-MiEV is very economical because it only uses electrical energy as its power source. Also, depending on electric power company rate fees, the running cost can be reduced further by charging the battery when off-peak (late night) rates apply*5.*5 An application must be submitted to the electric power company to qualify for domestic late night rates.
(3) Quiet, agile, comfortable performance
The i-MiEV delivers the quiet and comfortable motoring experience only possible from an internal combustion engine-less EV. Maximizing the excellent response and high low-end torque inherent to its electric motor i-MiEV enables a level of responsive and powerful performance that surpasses that of the gasoline-powered turbo engine 'i' minicar.(4) Ample range for everyday minicar use
The i-MiEV has a single-charge range of 160 km*6 in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban driving pattern. This gives it a range that is ample*7 for everyday minicar use.
*6 Actual range will vary depending on weather conditions, road congestion and on how the driver operates his vehicle (use of accelerator, climate control system, etc.)
*7 A nationwide survey in Japan indicates that on average 90% of car drivers cover less than 40 km/day on weekdays and that 80% cover less than 60 km/day at weekends and holidays (in-house research).
(5) 3 ways to charge the battery
*6 Actual range will vary depending on weather conditions, road congestion and on how the driver operates his vehicle (use of accelerator, climate control system, etc.)
*7 A nationwide survey in Japan indicates that on average 90% of car drivers cover less than 40 km/day on weekdays and that 80% cover less than 60 km/day at weekends and holidays (in-house research).
(5) 3 ways to charge the battery
The i-MiEV uses a 3-way charging system that allows the drive battery to be charged at home or when out and about. For normal charging i-MiEV is connected to either a standard 100-volt or 200-volt domestic outlet using the charging cables supplied wîth the vehicle. The i-MiEV's battery can also be 'quick charged' at quick-charge stations which are currently being established throughout Japan.
*8 Actual charging times may vary depending on such factors as air temperature and power source status.
** The normal charging gun and normal charging connector were jointly developed by Toyota Motor Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.
2. Advanced technology
(1) Main powertrain components
a. Drive battery
The i-MiEV is powered by a very high energy-density lithium-ion battery manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan*9. The large-capacity drive battery is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and is installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. This configuration contributes to outstanding handling and stability due to the car's low center of gravity.
*9 Joint venture established on December 12, 2007 between Mitsubishi Motors, GS Yuasa Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation to develop, manufacture and sell large-capacity and high energy-density lithium-ion cells for EV use.
b. Motor (power unit)
The i-MiEV uses a high-efficiency compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor specially developed for the vehicle. It generates maximum torque from low engine speeds to deliver powerful response and a comfortable ride experience. When the vehicle slows down the regenerative brake system causes the motor to operate as a generator. The electrical energy recovered is stored in the drive battery.
c. Transmission
The i-MiEV uses a lightweight and compact single-speed reduction gear transmission, exploiting the high low-end torque inherent to the electric motor and eliminating the need for complex gear shifting mechanisms as found in internal combustion engine powered vehicles.
d. On-board charger
The i-MiEV comes wîth a compact, lightweight on-board charger that allows the drive battery to be charged using a domestic 100V/200V AC line.
e. DC/DC converter
The DC/DC converter is used to charge the 12-volt auxiliary battery and power electrical equipment. It is integrated wîth the on-board charger in a single unit to reduce size and weight.
f. Inverter
The i-MiEV 's motor is driven by an alternating current. The inverter converts high-voltage direct current from the drive battery to alternating current and supplies motor wîth the power required to drive the vehicle.
(2) Combination meter display
The combination meter instrument cluster is comprised of a power meter that presents a visual display of power consumption and energy recovery status, a drive battery residual charge indicator that indicates how much remaining power there is left in the drive battery, and an available range indicator that displays an estimate of how far the vehicle can be driven on the basis of average power consumption over the last few kilometers.
(3) Shift selector
The shift selector provides the three positions described below that allow the driver to choose between maximum fun, maximum economy or maximum regenerative brake bias.
D-position:
Generates gutsy torque in direct response to accelerator input and allows the driver to enjoy i-MiEV 's performance potential to the maximum.
Eco-position:
Reduces power output and consumption to deliver maximum economy.
B-position:
Increases the regenerative brake bias. Power output is the same as for D.
(4) Climate control
The i-MiEV 's climate control system features air conditioning wîth an electrically powered compressor and a heating system which circulates warm water heated by an electric heater. The control dial provides six-step manual adjustment of both cooling and heating temperatures. The system reduces power consumption by minimizing occasions when both cooling unit and the heater operate together.
(5) Safety features
a. Drive battery protected by sturdy frame
The high-voltage system, battery pack included, is located inside the body frame and is further protected by a well-crib frame against damage from any direction of impact.
b. Integrated vehicle management system: MiEV OS
The MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) gathers data and information from all the major EV components to provide integrated management of the i-MiEV 's performance. The advanced management system constantly monitors battery status and the energy recovered from the regenerative brakes while regulating output to ensure smooth and powerful acceleration from a full stop. As a result the system optimizes and minimizes energy consumption while delivering road performance that is comfortable, safe and reassuring.
3. Other equipment and trim
(1) Body colors
The range of 8 body finishes includes monotones and two types of 2-tone color schemes.
a. Monotones
Three monotone colors are offered: White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Raspberry Red Pearl (factory option).
b. 2-tone schemes (factory option):
Type A:
The two 2-tone color schemes that have been used to date to highlight the i-MiEV 's originality are available: Red Solid / White Solid and Cool Silver Metallic / White Solid.
Type B:
In addition two new 2-tone color schemes are available.
- 'Clean image:' White Pearl / Ocean Blue Metallic and White Pearl / Mint Green.
- 'Premium image:' Cool Silver Metallic / Black Mica.
(2) LED headlamps and rear combination lamps
The i-MiEV is the first minicar*10 and the first Mitsubishi Motors model to use LED headlamps, which throw a longer and wider low-beam pattern while also cutting power consumption. The rear combination lamps also use fast-illuminating LED emitters for the tail and stop lamps, making these lamps more instantly visible to following vehicles.
*10 As of end May 2009, according to Mitsubishi Motors research.
(3) PBS-bamboo fiber Green Plastic tailgate trim
The i-MiEV uses PBS (polybutylene succinate)-bamboo fiber Green Plastic for the tailgate interior trim. The use of PBS-bamboo fiber cuts life-cycle emissions (from extraction of raw materials to final disposal of product) of CO2 by some 10 percent compared wîth polypropylene.
(4) Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (MMES)
The i-MiEV is available wîth the Mitsubishi Multi-Entertainment System (with a 7-inch display and SSD navigation) that is built around solid state drive (SSD) technology to offer outstanding power saving and shock resistant properties. MMES is a factory-fitted option. The navigation database can be updated using SD flash cards and the company plans to use this feature to display the location of battery charging stations as they become available.Source - Mitsubishi
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