Paris Auto Show: A Short Test Drive in the Electric Mitsubishi IMiEV

by Martin Schwoerer

Published: October 3rd, 2008

paris auto show a short test drive in the electric mitsubishi imiev

Take that, GM. Formerly-sick car company Mitsubishi Motors has a working electric car; they’re already testing a fleet of a few hundred units in Japan. The Mitsubishi innovative Vehicle promises a 75mph top speed and a 100 mile range. It’ll take seven hours to recharge the battery using a normal socket (220V). If you’ve got high voltage, figure an 80 percent recharge within 30 minutes. Being a totally new car, the iMiEV benefits from the packaging advantages inherent to electric propulsion. The Li-Ion batteries are located beneath the passenger department, and the small electric engine is rear-midships. Thus, despite a sub-four meter’s length, it’s roomy enough for four. The Innovative Vehicle’s interior is airy but spartan/simple– no expensive materials for a lightweight car that wants to be affordable for commuters. I could only take the Mitsu EV for a few-minutes’ spin in a parking lot, so I can’t verify any of company’s range or speed claims. But acceleration is strong, smooth and silent, the steering is pleasant, and it brakes in a solid fashion. It feels like a proper, developed car, not like a prototype. No magic-year nonsense; commercial sales will begin in 2009. If Mitsubishi can keep their performance promises, this one’s a winner, at least for urban early adopters.

Martin Schwoerer

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Used trucks on Jun 26, 2009

Unveiled in Paris as a Concept in 2000, the German Automaker's Production Version Carries Pure Racing Genes and Showcases Future Porsche Technology. Stuttgart, Germany-based Dr. http://www.autotruckserviceinc.com

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Cheap cars on Jun 26, 2009

Actually looks like a VW Beetle and an Audi TT had a 3-way with an electric city car with this being the result. I like it though. http://www.superdupercars.com

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