iMiEV owners and aeromods

[Daox]

So, I've been reading up on the Mitsubishi iMiEV since used prices are ridiculously low on these things, like $8-10k low with ~10k miles for a 2012. While its not a pretty car (imo), and the range isn't terrific, the price is quite reasonable for an EV! So, I've been considering getting one, reading up on them, etc. This of course leads me to the iMiEV forums. There, I find a post by Neil about aeromods. I find it hilarious that they initially bawk at it saying it'll make the car look "silly" (really? lol). But, they seem to warm up after a while and a little schooling by Neil. Just thought I'd share the link and some cool pics:

Mitsubishi I-Miev Forum • View topic - Aerodynamic Mods to Reduce Drag

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Daox

I find it hilarious that they initially bawk at it saying it'll make the car look "silly" (really? lol).

That's too funny. Almost any change would be an improvement in aesthetics...

[markweatherill]

The 'i' for North America has a few differences to the rest of the world. I just noticed the side sills / airdams are a different shape. Is that aero or just styling?

[Insight for life]

I also have been thinking about pulling the trigger on one. I saw one go through the auction last week. 2012 12k miles. Went for $7,300 I think. They are so cheap, I feel like it would be a good starter (electric) car. Good acceleration feel too IMO.

[Xist]

I think the painter's tape stands out too much on the wheel skirts.

[tvbd56]

Honestly I think the wheel skirts look like they belong on the car stock. Of course with something better than painters tape but the skirts make the car look not so oddly shaped.

[aerohead]

Dallas-Ft Worth area car critic Ed Wallace drove an iMiEV as his personal car for I think,two years.He spoke of it with fondness.He drives a different automakers car to Dallas from Ft Worth each week as a career.
Here is a recent iteration:The CA-MiEV Concept

The 1st-gen would be an awesome project car!

[Cd]

Did anyone else notice the bumper sticker on the car with the wheel covers ?

" When I hatch, I want to be a Tesla ! "

Holy crap ! I just looked up the Cd on the car. Point thirty five !!
This truck has the same Cd :
I can't understand how that an electric car could have such high drag !

[rmay635703]

Sad part is the japanese and Euro MIEV follow the KEI standards and are actually more aero (area is smaller) so they go a full 7 miles further in the real world than an americanized fatso MIEV.

I sort of wanted one but it would just be a novelty car, of which I already own several. Maybe if I could get my father to trade in his ZX40 for one but the zx40 seems to be more aero and lightweight (aka more efficient) than the miev drivetrain.
(aka zx40 is similar to a mira which is nothing to sneeze at)

What would be cool would be to transform the ZX40 into a hybrid using the charade drivetrain up front (this car comes with that config stock overseas) and put the MIEV RWD battery and drivetrain in the rear

Lol, nothing like dreaming, at 144wthr per mile our zx40 could likely go a bit further than the miev but not sure how much the number would grow with the potentially extra weight.

Hmm, MIEV drivetrain w/ batteries is still likely less than the 820lbs of lead gel batteries in the car now.

Heck a 1ltr charade motor + IMIEV drivetrain is still likely less.

Ah well.

[NeilBlanchard]

It really could use a belly pan, too. There is a big gap on the sides between the rocker panels and the battery pack, and the front is rather rough, as well. The front is actually good aerodynamically (except the wipers), and most of the improvements will come at the back.