MIMS 2009 – Mitsubishi

Mitusbishi’s main model on display was the tiny i MiEV, a production ready electric vehicle with a range of approximately 160km.

Mitsubishi Australia chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, said “This is the first time a production-ready electric vehicle has ever featured at an Australian motor show.

“Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are becoming increasingly common in this current environmentally conscious climate, but Australia hasn’t seen anything like the i MiEV before.”

The presentation was as cute the car itself. With a big screen showing young kids saying what they thought the car of the future would be. Groups of children then descended from the upper level of the Mitsubishi stand to dance around the i MiEV as it was revealed.

Also of note was a pair of Lancers decked out as Playstation 3 consoles and an Evo X in full Police detail.

Full press release on the i MiEV after the jump, along with a few more pics.

Mitsubishi Shows i MiEV Electric Vehicle at the Melbourne International Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) will provide Australia with its first glimpse of a production-ready, fully electric vehicle – the i MiEV – at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

The i MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, may well become one of the world’s first truly viable zero drive-time emission city commuters in volume production when it is released on the Japanese market this summer.

MMAL’s president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, commented that the company expected the vehicle to generate a great deal of interest.

“This is the first time a production-ready electric vehicle has ever featured at an Australian motor show.”

“Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are becoming increasingly common in this current environmentally conscious climate, but Australia hasn’t seen anything like the i MiEV before,” said McEniry.

International interest in the vehicle has been considerable. Currently, the i MiEV is undergoing feasibility studies in several countries around the world, including the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Iceland, Canada, and as recently announced, now in Australia.
MMAL will commence a nation-wide feasibility test following the i MiEV’s public introduction centre stage in Melbourne.

Utilising a large-capacity lithium-ion battery system and a compact, high-output electric motor in place of a traditional gasoline power train (based on Japanese and European trial figures) the i MiEV has some impressive technical specifications for a zero drive-time emissions vehicle.

Producing a remarkable 47 kW of power and 180 Nm of instant torque, the i MiEV’s permanent magnet synchronous engine is supported by a revolutionary lithium-ion battery. Batteries are supplied by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture formed by GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Mitsubishi Motors.
The i MiEV’s electric motor is smaller, produces more torque at low revolutions and is quieter than a turbocharged gasoline engine. Most importantly, the i MiEV’s electric motor produces zero emissions.

With total voltage measuring 330V, and total energy output at 16kWh, the compact battery and motor reside under the seating and in the back of the vehicle, allowing four adults to sit comfortably, plus a good sized luggage compartment in the rear of the vehicle. In a small car, this maximisation of space is made possible by the i MiEV’s smart design and long wheelbase of 2550mm.

Requiring seven hours from a normal domestic household 200V power supply for a full battery charge, the i MiEV should ideally be left to recharge overnight, making it perfect for daily commuting over common distances in a city landscape.

Able to reach a top speed of 130 km/h, with a range of around 160 kilometres1 from a single charge, the i MiEV is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with three ‘speeds’: Drive, Eco and Brake.

Drive is the full power mode where the car drives under normal mode. Economic or ‘Eco’ cuts torque output compared to the standard Drive setting. By using the Eco range, the driver can avoid expending excessive charge, and make more efficient use of the remaining power. Brake mode offers high regenerative braking that absorbs as much kinetic energy as possible – restoring power to the battery – and is perfect for downhill driving.

Compared to a similar sized petrol car, the running (fuel/charge) costs per kilometre are roughly one third lower. If charged during off-peak or night time hours the operating costs will be even less2.

The i MiEV, with its groundbreaking technology, will tour Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide in a motorcade of public demonstrations, specialist briefings and individual drive experiences for key government officials, fleet managers, environmental opinion leaders and the media.

Through this i MiEV program, MMAL will receive feedback from key stakeholders regarding the viability of this cutting-edge technology and, in doing so, lay the foundations for the possible sale of the vehicle in the Australian market.

MMAL Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Paul Unerkov, said the advanced technology and environmental consciousness of the i MiEV manifested Mitsubishi’s brand values going forward.

“Mitsubishi Motors has made huge investments in research and developmental; we are striving to enhance our sustainability initatives, and the i MiEV is a clear demonstration of these principles combined,” said Unerkov.

“And everyone at Mitsubishi Motors is excited about this vehicle. We can’t wait to see the public reaction from the i MiEV’s appearance in Melbourne, and to see the results of our extensive feasibility studies following the motor show.”

1. Range is based on the ‘Japan 10-15 Mode’ drive cycle and may vary depending on a number of factors including use of climate controls, driving style, road conditions, number of passengers and the condition of the vehicle.
2. Based on Japan market conditions.