Mitsubishi slashes prices of 2014 i-MiEV by 21% ($6K), offers more standard features
05 December 2013
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is reducing the price of the MY 2014 i-MiEV battery electric vehicle by 21% ($6,130) from the previous 2012 vehicle and delivering an expanded standard equipment package with it. The 2014 model year Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES model including CHAdeMO DC quick charge port, battery warming system and heated side view mirrors now starts at $22,995.
After factoring in the Federal tax credit of $7,500, the net MSRP of the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV drops down to only $15,495. Adding in the California state EV financial incentive of up to $2,500 (other generous financial incentives are available through numerous states and municipalities), residents in California can obtain the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV for as low as $12,995.
The rear-wheel drive Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s drive system includes a 49 kW (66 bhp) AC synchronous electric motor; an 88 cell, 330V lithium-ion main drive battery pack for a peak storage of 16 kWh; and a single fixed reduction gear transmission. This electric motor is capable of producing its peak torque of 145 lb-ft (197 N·m); the i-MiEV has a top speed of approximately 80 mph (129 km/h).
The i-MiEV carries EPA-rated fuel economy of 126 city/99 highway/112 combined MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). The i-MiEV's “real world” EPA-rated driving range is 62 miles (100 km) and 98 miles (158 km) in the EPA’s LA4 driving cycle range.
The 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s shift selector allows the driver to choose between three drive settings to maximize driving efficiency and/or to increase energy recycling from the vehicle's regenerative braking system:
“D”-position. Allows maximum performance from the vehicle as it generates 100% torque in direct response to accelerator input.
“ECO”-position. Helps to maximize energy usage (“fuel” economy) by slightly reducing overall power output to help reduce the rate of battery consumption
“B”-position. Increases the regenerative brake biasing to augment energy recycling (with 100% of power production available, same as in the “D” position).
Safety features included as standard on every 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV consist of a 6 air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) featuring advanced dual front air bags, side air bags and side curtain air bags; anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); brake override system; Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); and specialized EV-related safety features including an Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) to help alert pedestrians to the approaching electric vehicle and a high-voltage power cut-off system.
Newly added items that are now standard equipment at no charge to the consumer include:
- Driver and front passenger heated seats
- CHAdeMO DC quick charge port
- Battery warming system
- Heated side view mirrors
- Rear door speakers
- 8A/12A switchable Level 1 charging cable (approximate charge time from near empty to fully charged - 22 hours for 8 amp/14 hours for 12 amp)
- Charge port lamp
A number of interior and exterior enhancements are included as well.
To date, more than 30,000 Mitsubishi i-MiEV and i-MiEV-based production vehicles have been sold around the globe since its introduction in 2010. In the US, MMNA has sold 1,018 units from January through November this year, up 99.2% year-to-date.
For many urban people, this could be the inexpensive gas-free, maintenance-free car they need.
Posted by: kelly | 05 December 2013 at 04:46 AM
I still have not seen one of these on the road.
Then again, I live in Houston, TX, home of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
Posted by: Brent Jatko | 05 December 2013 at 05:17 AM
All this battery car makers, along with reducing car prices, should also start offering the same models with bigger batteries with extended range, see the Tesla example, there is a craving for extended range BEVs, and as these car prices approach those of Internal Combustion Engine cars extending the range should be the new frontier.
Posted by: Seer | 05 December 2013 at 05:41 PM
I do see these MiEV's on the (CA) road but they are quite small, I would say I see many more Nissan Leaf's out there, and even more Tesla's which is an exotic electric over the MiEV. I think they are stressing the limits of small with the MiEV, and Toyota and Nissan are on a better track, with size of the vehicle. The Leaf seems to really be gaining steam. The more time goes by, and the more these EV or EV-hybrids gain on middle class friendly prices, the more I find myself attracted to their resilience and cost factors. The guys at work love their plug-ins, and my Company (Intel) just added a bunch of plug-in stations. When every town has plug-in stations, I think the tipping point will have been reached for these cars out here in California.
Posted by: Frank Ober | 05 December 2013 at 09:30 PM
One way to accelerate installation of essential charge stations would be to share the burden 3 ways:
1. 33% by employers direct contribution.
2. 33% by States + Fed with tax credits or 0% loans.
3. 33% by end users via charging fees or privilege.
To determine how many charging bays are required, employers could survey their employees to find out how many plan to acquire PHEVs and BEVs in the next 6 to 12 months.
Posted by: HarveyD | 06 December 2013 at 12:11 PM
@ HarveyD, true, more has to be done. And sharing is the best approach. Not sure my Company has put in charging stations based on surveys, but they have added to them, and have told employees they are adding more and are promoting the stations, with lights, and other gimmicks such as announcements. I know guys driving 4X4's that weigh 6,000 pounds and more, under 5 miles each way, and I tell you that kind of madness does have to stop. In fact a tax on certain size vehicles would not be a bad idea, unless you can justify the work aspect of the purchase. Toys that consume ~10 mpg may "feel" American, but it is a waste of important resources, plain as that. I love where Car Tech is going these days, these are awesome times.
Posted by: Frank Ober | 09 December 2013 at 08:21 PM
@ Frank Ober:
I agree in general, but selling efficiency or vehicle taxes in a low-tax oil state like Texas will be tough. These Bubbas love their Suburbans and Tahoes and a surprising number of these vehicles are actually used for light duty work and deliveries.
Posted by: Brent Jatko | 11 December 2013 at 07:55 AM
This price is great and makes it a viable cost savings vehicle for more people. I agree withe SEER though, in that they should consider different battery sizes. If this car had a real world range of 80 miles it would increase the number of people who could make it work, including myself. For me, 62 miles range is just a bit too touch and go. If I could get my employer to install charging that would change things too.
Posted by: Brotherkenny4 | 17 December 2013 at 08:01 AM
This is the price drop I've been waiting for on the i-MiEV. My 2000 Honda Insight is at the perfect age/wear to transition from, so I'm making the switch.
Posted by: Will S | 24 December 2013 at 10:09 AM