The iMiev features a remote control that allows the driver to remotely set the start and finish times for charging when the car is hooked up to a charging outlet. This allows the owner to charge the car during off-peak times when the cost of electricity is lower. The remote control also allows the driver to heat or cool the car for 30 minutes prior to driving and/or turn on the rear defroster and heated driver’s seat prior to driving. By doing this, the driver can reduce the load on the battery and increase driving range, as well as making the interior more comfortable before entering. Sounds like a great idea for winter.
     2012 Mitsubishi iMiev. Click image to enlarge |
Since the main battery’s performance degrades if its temperature is too hot or too cold, the iMiev features a battery cooling and warming system that automatically activates if the temperature goes above 20 degrees Celsius or falls below minus 25 degrees Celsius. However, the battery can’t be charged until the battery temperature reaches minus 20 degrees C or warmer. As there are many areas of Canada that fall below minus 20 in the winter, this is a serious limitation on the iMiev’s practicality in the colder parts of the country.
Mitsubishi certainly stands behind their battery: it has a limited warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.
The 2012 iMiev’s space-efficient, aerodynamic shape with the “wheels at each corner” maximizes interior space: this subcompact car has room for four large adults and a couple of large suitcases behind the rear seats (377 litres/13.2 cu. ft.). Mitsubishi points out that with both split folding rear seatbacks folded down, there’s more cargo space than in a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback.
The iMievs interior quality is less than expected for a $33,000 car. The look and feel of the dash materials, controls and gauges is closer to a $20,000 car, and the seats are rather firm feeling, though most controls can be reached and operated easily. Equipped with the optional $3,000 Premium Package, the interior gets an upgrade to two-tone instrument panel, cloth door inserts and upgraded seat fabric but it’s not a big improvement.
Standard equipment on the $32,998 iMiev includes 15-inch tires, front fog lights, air conditioning, 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, power windows, heated power mirrors, heated driver’s seat, keyless entry and remote charging system, and six airbags.
The $3,000 Premium Package adds alloy wheels, 360-watt premium audio system with 8 speakers, 40-GB HDD navigation system with music server, Bluetooth 2.0 hands-free cellular phone interface with streaming audio and USB input with voice control, leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob,
premium seat fabric, cloth door inserts, silver interior accents and two-tone instrument panel.
Currently, only the provinces of Ontario and Quebec offer rebates for the purchase of electric cars. In Ontario, the rebate for the iMiev is $8,230, while Quebec is offering $7,800 plus a rebate on the installation of home charging systems of 50 per cent of the cost up to $1,000. Curiously, British Columbia, home to Canada’s “greenest city” is not offering anything.
Without the government rebates, the iMiev’s price is expensive when compared to comparable gas and diesel-powered cars. For the time being, it will probably remain a niche car purchased by well-to-do buyers looking for an environmentally friendly city car.
The iMiev will go on sale in late 2011 in major cities at selected Mitsubishi dealers who are authorized to sell and service electric vehicles. A special web site has been set up for people interested in receiving e-mail updates about the new iMiev.
