iMiEVs on the loose! - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

SVOboy · 10-18-2010, 11:37 PM

I'm going to post a blog about this in a little bit, but I figured I'd throw the pictures up here for you guys now:

Short backstory: lived on a bumpkin island for a little while, which was also populated by 5-10 iMiEVs that I regularly saw running around the streets and climbing the big hills. These little scoots seems to have no issues with their real-world application.

Daox · 10-19-2010, 08:02 AM

Mmmmm, I want one...

TomEV · 10-19-2010, 11:17 PM

I drove an iMiEV at the Green Drive Expo a couple of weeks ago. Good acceleration and handling, very comfortable as well. Mitsubishi reps said the US version will be somewhat bigger (and not right-hand drive!)

SVOboy · 10-20-2010, 04:37 AM

That's cool they had one out there. How'd the event go in general. I'll have to tell Eric I was sad I missed it this year. There are some fun things to do in America, after all...

Anyway, when I drove one way back at the LA autoshow before they were on the street at all (there's a blog about it somewhere on this site), I had a little dragrace with another journalist in a Smart fortwo and the iMiEV totally smoked it (I did turn they A/C off though)

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tumnasgt · 10-20-2010, 05:03 AM

They are trialling the iMiEVs in New Zealand on an EV1-style lease (no purchase option at the end) with selected companies.

I spotted one just over a week ago working as a urgent delivery car, sadly there were roadworks around the corner so I couldn't hear how quiet it was. Pics attached.

SVOboy · 10-20-2010, 05:14 AM

Nice spot

Piwoslaw · 10-20-2010, 05:28 AM

I read they will be available in Poland shortly, for something like 168k PLN ($60k US). So far, 24 have been bought by public institutions.

tjts1 · 10-20-2010, 05:48 AM

Very cool. I hope it becomes a sales success although I imagine they are going to be very expensive in the US. I liked the Mitsubishi 'i' Kei car which its based on. It seems like a much cleaner design than the Smart car.

TomEV · 10-20-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVOboy

That's cool they had one out there. How'd the event go in general. I'll have to tell Eric I was sad I missed it this year. There are some fun things to do in America, after all...

The event went very well - Lots of people, lots of new things to see. If they are back here next year, I'd definately come back.

I drove the th!nk as well. The iMiEV seemed to be a more refined vehicle, and had about the same acceleration than the th!nk, even with four people in the iMiEV.

The th!nk is engineered differently, in that the regen is much more aggressive, and the steering seems more responsive. You feel more attached to the mechanics of the vehicle and feel of the road. Somewhat of a comparison between a sedan feel (iMiEV - comfortable) and a smaller performance car (th!nk - more technical). Both have their advantages. Drive both if you're in the market for either one and decide for yourself. I'd be happy to have either one.