Mitsubishi iMIEV
Without good design - that which raises the emotions, and gets us all fired up - how do we hope to encourage the sorts of numbers needed to switch to sustainable living, to really make a difference? Aspiration and style play key roles in getting us to make the switch to a better cleaner way of living.
- Oliver Heath, eco-designer
photo courtesy of James McDonald
Oliver drove the all-electric version of the iconic Mitsubishi i - itself a winner of thirteen design awards in its first year, including the Japanese Automotive Researchers and Journalists ‘Car of the Year’ in 2007. The iMIEV is runner-up World Green Car of the Year 2009.
Based on the “i” minicar’s rear-midship layout platform, “i MiEV” replaces the conventional engine, transmission and fuel tank with a lithium-ion battery system, motor, inverter and other EV components.
The long wheelbase, a feature of rear-midship layout, provides space for high capacity lithium-ion batteries under the floor. It also enables the motor and inverter to be installed in the space that used to house the conventional engine and transmission. i MiEV ensures ample cabin space for passengers and reasonable luggage compartment space in the rear. The installation of batteries under the floor makes the i MiEV’s center of gravity low, which provides a more stable driving dynamic.
Twenty-five of the first fifty all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV city cars will take part in the ultra-low vehicle carbon trial in November 2009.
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