MiEV Mitsubishi i Electric vehicle

[roguethunder]

Originally Posted by Weather Spotter

part of the problem is the short length.

Hilarious. And if they lengthened it in an aerodynamic manner it would have more cargo-space... more room for batteries... And I cant imagine much added weight done right since said space would be nonpassanger.

I suppose the only downside is it making it harder to park. Lol.

[Ladogaboy]

I'm concerned that this might fit in too narrow of a niche for Mitsubishi to see any real success. The 65 mile range is too limiting for most Americans (partly because of the way they drive), but this would be a perfect car for someone in, say, San Francisco. Also, I think the poor Cd might have more to do with the purpose of the car. It seems to me that Mitsubishi made an NEV that *can* go on the freeway if necessary.

As long as you stick to city driving, the Cd won't be as much of an issue, and I'm guessing the listed 65 mile range is probably conservative. I'm sure most of the hypermilers on this board would be able to hit close to 100 miles in stock trim.

[Arrow]

Originally Posted by Weather Spotter

part of the problem is the short length.

vvv.auto-bleue.org

In south of France the car is just the perfect size. The Americans have their Chevy Volt.

[Arragonis]

The 65 mile range is optimistic - its based on an open road (no traffic) and no AC use.

Add both and it drops to around 45.

Man in a hat does a video test driver here.

Peugeot iON Road Test | Road Tests | Honest John

[Peter7307]

Test drove one a few months ago.
Felt like it had no suspension and the rest of the car felt "built down to a price" as well. Rock hard ride and a lot or road noise from the tyres.
Cheap plastic interior and "tinny" feeling to just about every thing inside.
Dull and unresponsive controls. The brakes and steering felt like they were not connected to the rest of the car.
Basic and fairly plain instruments but clear and easily read.
Heater / vents / air conditioner are good but then so they are in most cars these days.
Seats are about as comfortable as a concrete block.

I think Mitsubishi should go with the standard petrol version which claims a CD of 0.24 instead.

Totally quiet and reasonably agile through traffic. A bit unerving for some pedestrians though who seemed to be totally unaware of the car until they were about to walk into it!

Would not even think about buying one no matter how economical it is.

Peter.

[NeilBlanchard]

The American version is called the Mitsubishi 'i':

2012 Mitsubishi 'i' Electric Car: Woody Trim And Surfboards Too! (Video)

[sendler]

The same power train in the Sport Air would be a little more aero on the highway.

[jakobnev]

It looks like it is begging for some kind of combined range extender and partial boat tail that can be hung of the back. You could have it off for your daily commute, and then hang it on for that occasional long trip.

[Arragonis]

The iMev and its relatives are really begging for a tiny (2-3 cyl) hybrid powertrain, and now Toyota is Hybridising its smaller cars (Yaris) maybe a compact style unit could be made to fit small cars like this in the future. Maybe.