Mitsu is now ramping up marketing for it's all electric i-miev.


http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/special/eco/tvcm.html

Here a technical film (in Japanese). Little long, but interesting.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/special/eco/whats_movie.html


When I watch these videos it just demonstrates to me how really far behind we are. Hopefully GM receives the preverbal kick in the pants and puts it's foot down.

Thanks for the link, I really enjoyed that. Very polished marketing. Japan stands to reap the benefits from EVs because they import all of their oil and not only are their normal driving distances short (when compared to US drivers) but much of the time they are in traffic (especially in the large cities - Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, etc.). It will be interesting to see how they build out the charging infrastructure. Is it possible to see Better Place Japan? Probably not for a long time but I feel charging stations could be built out very quickly.

If you are interested in automotive technology at all, understanding Japanese is advantageous and entertaining…

Since Mitsu already is selling the ICE version of the same car comparison between EV and ICE car is a little bit more meaningful.

Efficiency: 55.6% (AC outlet to wheels) vs. 16.3% (gas tank to wheels)
Fuel cost per mile: 1 vs. 9

Here are the specs of the Mitsu i-MiEV:
Dimensions: 134 x 58 x 63 inches
Weight: 2376 lbs (ICE - 1980 lbs)
Number of seats: 4
Max speed: 81 mph
Driving range per charge: 100 miles
Charging time: 7/14 hours @200V/100V (full charge), 30 minutes @200V/3-phase (80% charge)
Motor: one permanent magnet synchronous AC
Max output: 47 kW
Max torque: 180 N*m
Max speed: 8500 rpm
Battery type: Li-ion
Voltage: 330V
Gross capacity: 16 kWh
Power control: inverter
Drive train: single motor, differential, RWD

I am a HUGE fan of the MiEV as right now it's the only BEV from a major manufacturer that is remotely close to a standard sedan (4 door, highway capable, with safety ratings). This thing is around $24,000 and gets over 100 miles per charge, which is also unheard of as of yet.

BUT, there are only plans to sell it in Japan and Europe for now. Give it a year, and I'll bet it will be available here. I love the Volt, but this is the here and now...and the range is great. I do hope GM takes a hint.

A Mitsubishi ImiEV video showing a test drive along a mountain road with 5,800 foot vertical ascent over 18 miles. The video is in Japanese.

On the downhill run the ImiEV appears to recharge nearly 100% via regen braking.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.tv/index_5tateyama.html

A new Mitsubishi six minute Imiev video (in Japanese) featuring a test track race between two Imiev's along with scenes of the AER Imiev on a hydraulic lift showing the engineering of the platform.

http://www.youtube.com/v/USfrtnr9Jmw&hl=en"

Go Volt!!!

Here's an English website for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/special/ev/index.html

The site notes the movies of the i-MiEV will shortly have English subtitles. This is a very interesting car.

Let's see, a Volt or an i-MiEV, hmm.... Volt has gas engine, maintenance, oil, gas, money still going to foreign places that want us dead, etc... on the other hand i-MiEV, very clean, no gas, no engine maintenance, monies for energy stay in this country, very nice.

If it meets crash standards, Works in the winter, has air conditioner for summer, I can fit in it (6'4") and the battery pack carries a good warranty, I'll buy it!!

The MiEV has always been a strong contender for my money too. It will be interesting to watch development of both cars to see which makes it out the gate first. The MiEV has a huge advantage in that they already have pre-production vehicles and will begin limited distribution next year!

Edit: Since I have a UK address, I've gone ahead and signed up on the UK Mitsubishi website for MiEV information updates. I'll keep you guys informed as to what's happening with it on that side of the pond.

Don't want to double post, but they're announcing retail sales in Canada for summer next year.

Since Japan, Europe, and presumably Canada will be out the starting gate at the same time, is it too much to hope that it will also be inclusive of the US?

See the thread on the Mitsu MiEV website for more details.