Mitsubishi i-MiEV
A narrow Japanese city car that tucked a 16 kWh battery under the floor and helped move modern EVs into series production.
2009 Mitsubishi i-MiEV museum display · Kabu Sawsaw · CC BY-SA 4.0
More than a set of wheels.
Mitsubishi unveiled the production i-MiEV in June 2009 and began Japanese deliveries to corporate, government and local-authority customers in July. Sales to individuals followed in April 2010. The car adapted the long-wheelbase Mitsubishi i platform, replacing its rear-midship petrol engine and fuel tank with an electric motor and under-floor lithium-ion battery.
Look a little closer.
Its motor made full 180 Nm torque from zero rpm, so the little EV could respond quickly without changing gears.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
The petrol i made room for batteries
The original Mitsubishi i already had a 2,550 mm wheelbase and its engine under the luggage area. Engineers used the former fuel-tank space beneath the cabin for the battery without giving up the four-seat passenger area.
Source: Mitsubishi Motors · management and i-MiEV development ↗Range numbers need their test label
Mitsubishi quoted 160 km on Japan's 10–15 driving pattern. That figure is useful history, but it is not directly comparable with later EPA, WLTP or real-world range tests.
Source: Mitsubishi Motors · Annual Report 2009 ↗Where these facts come from
- Mitsubishi Motors · management and i-MiEV development
- Mitsubishi Motors · Annual Report 2009
- JSAE · i-MiEV technology selection
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.