Mitsubishi i-MiEV Standard
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) holds an important but often overlooked distinction in automotive history: it was the world's first mass-produced, highway-capable pure electric vehicle available for retail sale. When it went on sale in Japan in July 2009, it beat the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt to market by over a year, making it the true pioneer of the modern electric vehicle era.
Based on the Mitsubishi i kei car, the i-MiEV replaced the tiny gasoline engine with a 66-horsepower permanent magnet synchronous electric motor mounted at the rear axle. A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, supplied by GS Yuasa and manufactured specifically for automotive use, was mounted beneath the floor to maintain the i's low center of gravity. The rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout preserved the i's packaging efficiency while providing the instant torque delivery that would become a hallmark of electric vehicles.
The i-MiEV's driving range was modest by today's standards - approximately 100 miles (160 km) under ideal conditions - but it was sufficient for the urban commuting that Mitsubishi envisioned as the car's primary use case. CHAdeMO DC fast charging could replenish the battery to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, while a standard household outlet could fully charge the car overnight.
The driving experience was surprisingly pleasant for such a diminutive vehicle. The electric motor's instant torque delivery made the i-MiEV feel lively in city traffic, and the silent, smooth operation was a revelation for drivers accustomed to internal combustion engines. The rear-wheel-drive layout provided good traction, and the battery pack's weight actually improved the car's stability compared to the gasoline i.
The i-MiEV was sold in various markets under different names, including the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero in Europe, under partnership agreements that extended the platform's reach. While sales were modest - approximately 32,000 units worldwide over the car's lifetime - the i-MiEV's significance as a proof of concept for mass-market electric vehicles cannot be overstated.
Mitsubishi's decision to build an EV on a kei car platform was both practical and symbolic. The small battery pack kept costs manageable, the urban-focused use case matched the car's limited range, and the compact dimensions made it ideal for congested Japanese cities. The i-MiEV demonstrated that electric vehicles could be built, sold, and operated as practical transportation, paving the way for the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, and every other mass-market EV that followed.
Today, the i-MiEV is recognized as a historically significant vehicle that deserves its place alongside the Toyota Prius as a pioneer of electrified transportation. While it was never a commercial success, its role in proving the viability of mass-market EVs ensures its place in automotive history.
Battery health is the primary concern - check state of health and remaining capacity. The 16 kWh battery will have degraded over time, reducing the already modest range. Check the CHAdeMO charging system for proper operation. The electric motor and single-speed transmission are generally very reliable. Check for rust on the underbody. Interior condition reflects usage patterns. The i-MiEV's historical significance may eventually give it collector value, but current prices are modest.
The i-MiEV was produced from 2009 to 2021 at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant. It was the world's first mass-produced highway-capable pure electric vehicle. Total worldwide production was approximately 32,000 units. It was also sold as the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero under rebadging agreements.