Mitsubishi is bringing the i-MiEV electric vehicle back for the 2016 model year after no sales in 2015 and only a few hundred sales of the 2014 model year. Much like the Chevrolet Volt release schedule, Mitsubishi skipped a model year and brings a “new” model release with some minor new features in 2016.
Pricing
The new 2016 i-MiEV is one of the more affordable, zero-emission, electric vehicles for North America. The 2016 model starts at $22,995 USD ($15,495 USD net after the $7,500 US federal tax credits are applied and $12,995 USD net after California incentives are applied).
Navigation Package
New to the 2016 i-MiEV is an optional navigation package that comes with a 7-inch high definition touch panel Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS). The MMCS features real-time traffic, 3D mapping, point-of-interest information, rearview camera, USB port, and hand free steering wheel controls. The new navigation package adds $2,000 USD to the price of the vehicle.
Exterior
The exterior standard feature list include aluminum wheels, day time running lights, front fog lights, rear LED tail lights, heated side view mirrors, and black-out door trim. The car has a 100.4 inch wheelbase, 144.8 inch length, 63.6 inch height, and 62.4 inch width. The i-MiEV comes in four colors: Labrador Black, Diamond White, Aqua Marine Blue, and Cool Silver. No new colors for 2016.
Interior
On the inside, the new i-MiEV features a 6-speaker 100-watt audio system, driver and passenger heated seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows, mirrors, door locks, 50/50 split fold-down rear seats, and keyless remote.
Safety
The i-MiEV features 6 air bags that include dual front, side, and curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, stability control, traction control, and an Approaching Vehicle Audio System (AVAS) for alerting pedestrians that don’t hear the electric vehicle.
Drivetrain
The new i-MiEV is a rear-wheel drive system powered by a 49 kW (66 bhp) AC synchronous electric motor with a single-speed automatic transmission. The battery is a 330V 16kWh Lithium-Ion with approximate charge time from near empty to full charge – 22 hours for 8 amp, 14 hours for 12 amp, and 7 hours on a 240V/15A Level 2 charging system.
The electric car has 3 drive modes – “D” which is 100% torque Direct response, “ECO” that maximizes energy/fuel Economy, and “B” for increasing regenerative Brake energy capture.
Availability
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is expected to go on sale as early as March.
