Mitsubishi's New iMiEV Could Be Ideal for Urban Green Transportation

I've mentioned before in previous articles that one of the major trends in the green transportation field, particularly for electric vehicles, is to scale them back to cater to an urban environment. In Japan, where many of the biggest electric car manufacturers are based, this serves a double purpose since it helps solve the issue of limited range while also working with some of the most densely populated cities in the world. One of the latest designs from Mitsubishi, called the iMiEV, considers all of this and plans to deliver a car that is both comfortable and affordable.

The iMiEV, Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, has been out in Japan for a few years now and has proven itself as a fairly popular method of green transportation. Priced around ¥1935000, the current exchanged equivalent of $23,000, almost 20,000 units have already been sold over the last two years and are currently on the roads. While the iMiEV is known for being a relatively comfortable vehicle for the size, it does have some downsides when it comes to performance. Running on a lithium ion battery, the iMiEV has an estimated range of 40-100 miles depending on how it is used. While that is reasonable in the urban setting it is intended for, it is worth noting that the 100 miles is an optimistic top end and, in comparison, rather low compared to others electric vehicles. Since the iMiEV is based on a "minicar" design it really isn't too surprising it would carry a lower range, though it is worth mentioning that the top speed of 80 miles per hour might turn heads.

In order to bring their form of alternative transportation to other markets, Mitsubishi has made some tweaks and some think they may try to increase the performance. An updated European model will go on show at the Paris 2010 Auto Show in October. While there have not been any major performance changes made to the European iMiEV, is has received a remodeled interior, updated safety features that will comply with European automobile laws, and a stability control system. Mitsubishi is also trying to bring the iMiEV to the American and Canadian markets with a targeted released of fall or winter 2011. Here, it would be marketed as a secondary vehicle and Mitsubishi reps have said they have several planned modifications to make the car seem more appealing to American consumers. Some critics of the iMiEV's performance, however, believe that it would take a boost in performance or a range that matches cars like the Nissan LEAF or Chevy Volt before it could make any headway here.

Despite having a lower end range, the iMiEV really does appear to be an ideal method of green transportation for the urban driver. It takes only a half an hour to charge the battery and would suit the needs of someone going to and from work with errands in between. While we will have to wait and see whether it would be a decent alternative to the competition that is already preparing to be released in America, it might be just the electric vehicle some people are looking thanks to its affordability.

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