Cars

Mitsubishi’s focus on Environmental Performance evolved from these three key values with the electric i MiEV sports coupe as the environmental flagship. The culmination of 35 years of EV (electric vehicle) R&D, the i MiEV experimental car was finalized in 2006 and has undergone public road testing. At present, Mitsubishi is working with several power companies with the end in view of launching the i Acura Csx Brake Pad Set  on the market.

Why the fuss over the i MiEV? It produces little noise and zero on-road carbon dioxide emissions, costs less to run and its lithium-ion batteries can be quick-charged in 30 minutes using a 3-phase 200V supply system. Using a regular 200-volt household domestic outlet, it takes seven hours to fully recharge the i MiEV for a cruising range of 160 km. When driving downhill, slowing down or braking, the i MiEV recovers inertial energy, employing the motor as a generator.

3 motors

The i MiEV Sport weighs only 970 kg, is shod with 175/46R17 tires, has a max speed of 180 km per hour and can run a distance of 200 km on a single charge. Two in-wheel motors drive the front wheels of the i MiEV Sport while a single motor powers the rear wheels, with electric-powered 4WD (E-4WD) optimizing the power generated by each motor. Sporty performance and excellent stability, demolishing preconceptions about the drivability of EVs, result from the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system that integrates management of the E-4WD, E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control), ABS and Active Stability Control.

It has a microwave wireless charging system to make recharging more convenient. Moreover, aside from the energy recycling system of the basic i MiEV, the Sport draws energy from natural sources via auxiliary solar glass panels and wind turbine fans (used during deceleration only). To further save energy, the taillights and other lights use low-energy, highly luminous LEDs.

The location of the 330-volt battery under the floor and the motor, inverter and charger under the cargo area lowers the i MiEV’s center of gravity while enhancing front/rear weight distribution. This characteristic of the rear midship layout frees up space for occupants and luggage and contributes to vehicle stability. The body and suspension use strong, lightweight and highly rigid extruded and die-cast aluminum, improving fuel efficiency and performance.

Crashworthy

As for safety, the i MiEV Sport is multidirectional crashworthy due to Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body protecting occupants in a collision. Again, the rear midship layout benefits occupants as the way the front side members, cross members and other structural parts are located more efficiently absorbs the impact in frontal and side crashes. In case of a rear-ender, the major EV components under the cargo area engage with the floor to form a protective barrier.

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