Say what you will about the current practicality of all-electric vehicles.
One fact that is undeniable is they are becoming more affordable. And the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV – my most recent test drive — is the least expensive of the bunch.
My i-MiEV ES five-door hatchback with navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, USB port and rear-view camera came with a MSRP of $25,845. A federal tax credit of $7,500 reduces your effective cost to $18,345.
Smaller than a subcompact, the i-MiEV is perfect for two adults, but more can be squeezed into the back seat. The hatch opens to provide a decent amount of cargo space for groceries and overnight bags. The rear seat(s) can be folded flat to accommodate golf bags.
Real-world range is in the 62 to 98 mpg range, – mine was closer to 80 miles before it needed to be re-charged. Charging times are 22 hours for 8 amp, 14 hours for 12 amp, seven hours with a 240V/15A Level 2 charging system, and less than 30 minutes to 80 percent full with a CHAdeMO Level 3 DC quick charger.
My experience was approximately seven hours from a simple plug-in into my garage wall outlet. Apparently there are a few Level 3 chargers in the area – and more on the way – for the 30-minute quick charge.
The best part is – and I’m not sure how it’s calculated – you get the equivalent of 112 miles per gallon per charge.
How does the all-electric magic happen? Here’s a quick, cursory explanation: A 108 lb. electric motor utilizes a synchronous permanent magnetic motor design to reduce weight and create a compact size. Consisting of 88 individual battery cells, the lithium-ion main drive battery pack’s total energy storage capacity is 16 kWh. The battery pack is sandwiched between the vehicle’s interior floor (sub-floor) and the chassis (body frame) inside a specially-designed stainless-steel protective battery case.
The motor control unit (MCU) manages and regulates the electrical power supply to the electric motor to generate the necessary level of torque to power the vehicle by converting the battery pack’s DC voltage into three-phase AC. Conversely, the MCU is responsible for managing the electrical energy that is produced by the regenerative braking system and is fed back into the lithium-ion battery pack.
You can choose from three driving modes:
“D” – allows maximum performance as it generates 100 percent torque in direct response to accelerator input. This mode allows for quick acceleration from a standing start.
“ECO” – helps maximize energy usage (fuel economy) by slightly reducing overall power output to reduce the rate of battery consumption.
“B” – increases regenerative brake biasing to augment energy recycling (with 100% of power production available).
Creature comforts include heated driver and front passenger seats, a six-speaker, 100-watt AM/FM/CD sound system, keyless entry, power windows, mirrors and door locks, electric air conditioning, cabin heating, aluminum wheels and front fog lights.
And while the laws of physics are working against you in a crash, Mitsubishi engineers have included a long list of safety features to help offset that fact. Highlights include anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, active stability and traction control, high voltage cut-off system, engine immobilizer anti-theft system and an approaching vehicle audio system to alert pedestrians of your otherwise stealth presence.
2016 MITSUBISHI i-MiEV
Base price: $22,995
As tested: $25,845
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.
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