Could? i- MiEV be the ultimate eco-car?
Mitsubishi Motors has positioned the i-MiEV as their ultimate eco-car that brings to market an expression of the company?s environmental efforts toward a sustainable coexistence with the planet and its natural resources.
Development of the i-MiEV concept began five years ago with internal company discussions as to what would actually constitute the ?ultimate eco-car.? After much debate the conclusion reached was that i-MiEV, an electric vehicle which satisfied the following requirements: that it produce clean, nonpolluting emissions; that it produce minimal CO2 emissions and aiding in the reduction of global warming; and that it make minimal use of the finite supply of oil resources.
The i-MiEV is driven 100-percent by electrical power and is a zero-emissions vehicle, which means that drive-time CO2 emissions are zero. The i-MiEV also saves some 158.5 gallons of gasoline a year. As a result, the i-MiEV personifies Mitsubishi Motors? Drive@earth corporate tagline, defined as ?Driving the earth; living with the earth? ideals. The primary energy system for the i-MiEV consists of: the electric motor, transmission, on-board charger, DC/DC converter, an inverter, battery modules and drive battery.
Power for the i-MiEV comes from a high-efficiency, compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that incorporates a rare-earth neodymium magnet and optimized wound rotor design. It is a new-type of motor developed in the mid-1990s, and the magnet is the strongest in commercial use.
The motor turns at a maximum speed of 8500 rpm and develops the same 47 kW (3000 ? 6000 rpm) of power as Mitsubishi?s, gasoline turbo-powered ?i” minicar. As a basic characteristic of the electric motor it generates very high torque from very low speeds: 180 Nm (0 ? 2000 rpm) — almost twice that of the??i? minicar?s 94 Nm. This compact and lightweight motor provides better motive performance and is also 10 cm shorter and narrower as well as 30 kg lighter than the ?i? minicar?s engine. The transmission is a specially designed single-speed reduction gear type with no reverse, as the motor serves to deliver the reverse function. The motor, transmission and drive battery are all mounted aft, driving the rear wheels.
There are three external charging modes: normal charging modes in both 100V and 200V applications, and a quick charging connector. Regenerative braking?represents yet another application – when the vehicle is decelerating (the equivalent of engine braking), the motor generates de-celeration torque and the regenerative function of the brakes is activated. During deceleration the motor acts as a generator with the electrical energy recovered being stored in the drive battery. The i-MiEV is water-cooled utilizing the radiator from the ?i? minicar from which it is derived. The cooling system additionally cools the inverter, on-board charger and DC/DC converter.
In terms of its visual appearance, the i-MiEV is a 5-door hatchback sub-compact or mini car that employs futuristic design cues. Unlike the Smart For2, it seats four comfortable with room for personal items behind the rear seat. Excellent outward visibility is provided with a large greenhouse and glass area. Overhangs are short both fore and aft.
The interior features all the normal amenities found in a sub-compact vehicle ? electric or gasoline. Upholstery is woven cloth with well-formed and padded seats. Gauges and switchgear are well placed for optimum user friendliness, with special gauges and instrumentation providing specific information relative to charge levels, energy storage and current energy level available, as well as approximate range, which is of course subject to driving style and topography.
My test 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV came in a right hand drive configuration, which can be a little disconcerting for some. The gearshift is to the driver?s left, and the directional signal stalk is on the right, with left and right directions reversed. Not a major in either case. My Blue and White finished test car practically shouted ?Electric? with all of the demonstrative graphics covering the exterior. Pricing has yet to be announced for the i-MiEV which is scheduled to go on sale on our shores as a 2100 model, but it is expected to be in a range anywhere from $24,000 to under $29,000 before any governmental tax credits are applied, no doubt bringing the total cost down considerably.
SUMMARY: The i-MiEV is actually fun to drive, even in its right-hand drive configuration. After entry and upon startup, the only indication that you?re ready to roll is a chime signal and ready light in the unique IP. The car is whisper quiet when stationary, and only emits a barely discernable whir when moving. Tire noise on the road surface is actually more prevalent.
The shift gate provides the following settings: Park, Reverse, Drive, Eco and B, which allows for the same torque and energy as the Drive setting, but at the same time maximizes regenerative braking and energy storage during?deceleration or heavy braking. The Eco setting minimizes power output from that of the Drive setting and thereby conserves energy.
The range on a full charge can be up to 100 miles, dependent upon driving factors and conditions, and the use of on-board electronic features. Maximum speed is about 80 mph, which at that rate will of course diminish stored energy quite rapidly. Charging time varies through the on-board 15Amp charger: to achieve a full charge at 100V the time is roughly 14 hours;? 7 hours are required at 200V; and with the special Quick charger, an 80 percent recharge may be accomplished in approximately 30 minutes.
The ride quality of the i-MiEV is quite comfortable despite the low-roliing resistance tires, and the handling characteristics are very responsive and nimble.
?Is a plug-in, all-electric vehicle the way to go? It actually depends upon the individual and the intended use and requirements. Some people will obviously get a charge out of the i-MiEV, while for others who need more range; it won?t necessarily fill the bill for everyday transport. It is certainly ideal for commuters who travel roughly 30 miles or less each way daily, or for longer commutes up to 60 or 70 miles, with access to a charging facility in between.
Bottom line, the i-MiEV is positioned to serve as a major role player in the quest for sustainable energy. It definitely costs much less to operate than a similar gasoline-fueled vehicle, and tax credits are sure to make its purchase more attractive.
