How far can the i-MiEV go on a single charge?

• Based on independent EPA testing, the i-MiEV can travel 62 miles1 on a full charge, in typical driving conditions. Incidentally, the EPA's MPGe ratings came in at 126 City and 99 Highway for a combined 112 MPGe—making the i-MiEV one of the most efficient electric vehicles in its class2.

What factors affect the driving range?

• Many different factors, such as hot or cold temperatures, vehicle speed, percent grade of roadway, and use of either the cabin heater or the air conditioning system can reduce driving range. On the other hand, it's possible to increase the range of the vehicle by driving more slowly and using the heater and air conditioning sparingly.

Does the battery drain when you are not moving?

• No, when the vehicle is not moving the primary battery system does not lose charge. This makes the i-MiEV ideal for urban areas with heavy traffic congestion. Because, unlike a gasoline-powered car, the i-MiEV doesn't "idle" in traffic, burning fuel while you sit there.

Who makes the battery for the i-MiEV?

• We do. The high-quality lithium-ion battery in the i-MiEV is made possible by Japan Lithium Energy. This company is a joint venture between GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi Corporation, giving us the ability to offer a battery that was specifically designed for our EV. Click here to learn more about charging times or safety features.

How do I charge the battery?

• You have three options.

  1. You can plug into a standard 120V / 15A household outlet with the included portable charging cable. Before your first charge, we require a site inspection of your garage to ensure that your infrastructure is adequate and that you have a dedicated 15A outlet.
  2. You can also purchase an optional 240V EVSE home charging dock. After your home inspection, it can be mounted in your garage by our installation experts at AeroVironment (1-866-732-3219). We highly recommend this option because it's the fastest and most convenient way to charge your car at home (it delivers a full charge in about 7 hours).
  3. The third and fastest option is a public quick-charging station. Visit our charging page for more details.

What are the costs per charge and on a yearly basis?

• At the current national average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), it costs about $3.60 to "fill up" the i-MiEV, for every 100 miles, starting with a fully-discharged battery. On a yearly basis (if you drive about 15,000 miles) you'll end up spending approximately $550 on electricity, a figure that we invite you to compare to the gasoline-powered or hybrid car of your choice. Also, your costs could be significantly lower if "off peak" electricity pricing is available in your area.

How will I know that I have run out of charge?

• The low battery warning indicator will remind you of the low-fuel warnings you'll find in most gas-powered cars. First, a low battery-warning lamp will illuminate, then the warning lamp will flash more rapidly as the battery loses juice.

How long does it take to charge the battery from empty to full?

• That depends on the method you use. With a standard dedicated 120V / 15A outlet, it takes about 22 hours. The recommended optional 240V EVSE home charging dock reduces that to approximately 7 hours. Public quick-charging stations can charge the battery to 80% capacity in as little as 30 minutes. Visit our charging page for more details about the three charging options.

Can I charge the battery even when it's not empty?

• Yes, absolutely.

I've heard this might deplete the battery more rapidly down the road - is that true?

• Actually, no. Our high-performance battery has outgrown this claim that used to be true of older lithium-ion battery designs. Frequent charging from a non-empty state is perfectly okay, and it doesn't affect the long-term performance. However, you should not repeat charging when the battery is at or near a full charge.

What happens when my battery dies after years of use? And how much does a replacement battery cost if I'm out of warranty by then?

• Your main drive lithium-ion battery is covered by an excellent 8-years/100,000 miles limited battery warranty. If the battery is found to be defective during that period it will be replaced free of charge. Predicting the cost of battery replacement after the warranty period is a more difficult question. Over time, battery technology continues to improve and batteries for electric cars become less and less expensive to produce. So while we can't say how much a new battery will cost eight years from now, we can say with some confidence that it will be much less than it is today.

How much is the EVSE 240V home charger (Level 2)? Will it work with my home's wiring? How do I get one set up?

• As for installation, our high-performance EVSE chargers will be available for purchase from our partners at AeroVironment (1-866-732-3219). Prior to installation, an expert will perform an inspection on your home's electrical system to make sure it's properly equipped to support the 240V charging unit. For more information, or to schedule your inspection, simply contact AeroVironment at (1-866-732-3219).

If my house requires rewiring in order to charge, what is the anticipated cost?

• If your home is of contemporary construction, it is highly unlikely that the electrical system will require much (if any) upgrades. But if you live in an older home, you might need to upgrade your circuit breaker and ancillary wiring. Each case is different, but after your home inspection, the experts at Aerovironment will be able to provide answers to all of your questions.

  For more information, or to schedule your inspection, simply contact AeroVironment at (1-866-732-3219).

Is the 240V EVSE home charging dock weatherproof?

• Yes.

Am I required to purchase your proprietary EVSE home charging set up?

• If you decide to go with the recommended 240V EVSE home charging dock, we do recommend that you purchase a Mitsubishi-approved model. We're currently working with many different EVSE suppliers and over time, owners will have several different models and manufacturers of EVSE chargers to choose from.

Where can I charge the i-MiEV when I'm away from home?

• For now, while public charging infrastructure is growing, you will likely do most of your charging at home. But the future looks bright. Public Level 3 quick-charge stations, when available, will give you an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, maybe even less.

Are there special EV rate plans from my utility?

• More and more utility companies are offering financial incentives for EV owners. We suggest that you contact your electricity provider and ask about specific plan options for EV drivers.

Will my electric bill go up if I charge my i-MiEV at home?

• Yes. Since the i-MiEV is a 100% electric vehicle, you pay at the plug. Not at the pump. But that's where you save. In fact, after a series of independent tests, the EPA determined that you can save up to $9,900 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new gasoline powered vehicle.

Is there a timer that allows you to set charging start/stop times?

• Yes, the i-MiEV comes standard with our RF wireless MiEV Remote System. This remote allows you to wirelessly interface with the car to set the charging timer, pre-activate interior climate control (cool or hot), turn on the defroster, and view the state of charge of the battery. All from a distance.

Has Mitsubishi thought about adding energy charging solar panels as an option?

• Possibly for next generation; however, at this time a solar panel is not available.

Where can I find a public charging station?

• Your local utilities department may have up-to-date information. If not, you can consult local municipality websites for more electric car information.

Are there designs for future, longer-running batteries?

• Lithium-ion battery technology is rapidly developing. We are at year one of mass-market electric vehicles, and over the next decade the innovations in battery technology are expected to provide an even greater driving range.

How long does it take to charge the i-MiEV at 120V, 240V and public quick-charge stations?

• Charging times can vary from place to place, depending on voltage and amperage, but here's a quick look at what you can probably expect:

  - Level 1 120V/8A = 22 hours (from empty to full capacity)
  - Level 2 240V/15A = 7.0 hours (from empty to full capacity)
  - Level 3 DC Quick Charger = 30 minutes (from empty to 80%)

Can I install a charging station myself?

• We strongly recommended that only a certified electrician installs your EVSE home charging dock.

What if I want to travel farther than the travel range?

• The public charging infrastructure is developing to the point where we foresee that possibility. In fact, thousands of public quick-chargers are currently under development across the nation. So, in the near future, you may be able to take your i-MiEV on even longer journeys.

Is there anything I can do to improve the long-term performance of the battery?

• Extreme fluctuations in temperature are a battery's worst friend. Avoiding that, if possible, will help your battery live a long, healthy life.

Can I plug my i-MiEV into a regular household outlet?

• Yes, the i-MiEV can be plugged into a dedicated, 120V household outlet thanks to our portable charging cable. However, a home inspection from our partners at AeroVironment (1-866-732-3219) is required. Wherever you charge your i-MiEV, the outlet you use HAS TO HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND APPROVED by a certified electrician.

I live in an apartment, so how can I make sure I can charge my i-MiEV?

• We recommend that you speak with your apartment management about ways they can accommodate electric vehicle parking.

What if I run out of electricity on the road?

• If you drain the battery while on the road, just give the Mitsubishi Roadside Assistance number a call and we'll have someone out to give you a tow to the nearest i-MiEV certified dealer. As part of our extensive warranty program, you'll be eligible for one free tow every three years. The i-MiEV has an accurate battery level indicator that functions much like the gas gauges you're used to. So with a little attention to that, we doubt you'll need towing services frequently, but it's nice to know our service is there if you need it.

How will the main battery be protected in the event of an accident?

• The primary battery is protected underneath the center of the vehicle and enclosed in a stainless steel, watertight compartment.

I plan to leave the car in storage during the winter months. How long will it take for the battery to drain when I'm not using the i-MiEV?

• You'll be pleased to discover that battery drainage is minimal during static vehicle storage. Please see your owner's manual for details.

How does cold weather affect the battery?

• Cold temperatures could affect the i-MiEV's driving range due to heater usage, which consumes more energy.

How fast can the i-MiEV go?

• The car has a top speed of about 81 mph and is fully freeway capable.

How powerful is the motor?

• We're using an efficient 49 kWh AC synchronous motor that produces 66 hp and 145 lb-ft of instant torque. In plain English, the i-MiEV provides lots of instant acceleration. You'll find that it has surprising pickup and is really fun to drive.

Do I have to learn anything new to drive the car?

• While there's plenty new to marvel at, there's little new to learn. The i-MiEV drives just like a gasoline-powered car and you'll be right at home behind the wheel. Charging the vehicle is easy, too. Just plug it in.

Is it front wheel drive or rear wheel drive?

• For many performance and practical reasons, the i-MiEV is rear wheel drive.

What is the difference between the drive modes?

• The i-MiEV shift selector provides three convenient modes for the driver to choose from:

  • D-position: Generates 100% torque in direct response to accelerator input and allows the driver to enjoy the full performance potential.
  • Eco-position: Reduces battery consumption by limiting power output to deliver maximum economy.
  • B-position: Increases the regenerative brake bias to maximize energy recycling. Power output is the same as D-position.

How does the experience compare to a gasoline car?

• We've engineered the i-MiEV to perform just like a gasoline-powered car. You'll notice surprising acceleration, smooth braking and an overall driving experience that's just plain fun. And since the gasoline combustion engine has been replaced by an efficient 100% electric motor you'll experience a nice, quiet ride.

What kind of horsepower can I expect from the i-MiEV?

• The actual horsepower of an electric motor can be deceiving and the comparison to gas cars isn't quite fair. For example, it may sound like our 66-horsepower motor doesn't have much power. But the real judge of power in an electric motor is torque and we have 145 ft-lbs of it. That's a nice amount, since 100% of torque is instantly available from electric motors, unlike gasoline engines. So in the end, when you step on the accelerator in the i-MiEV, you definitely feel it.

Will the i-MiEV come with a manual or automatic transmission?

• The i-MiEV comes standard with a single fix reduction gear transmission (basically, a single speed automatic transmission).

How does the regenerative braking system work?

• When you take your foot off of the accelerator pedal, the regenerative braking system takes effect. Using the kinetic effect from deceleration, the energy is restored to the primary battery, thereby extending the battery range. When decelerating, the motion energy is converted into electric energy—basically the i-MiEV is now using the motor as a power generator.

Will maintenance costs be lower compared to a gas-powered car?

• Yes. EVs have far fewer parts than cars with gas-powered engines and drivetrains. That means they have fewer parts that can wear out or fail. Your Mitsubishi dealer will be able to provide accurate estimates of maintenance costs when the car arrives in early 2012.

Can I take my i-MiEV to my local service shop?

• From a mechanical perspective, EVs are entirely different from traditional cars, so you must take it to a certified i-MiEV dealer for maintenance.

Will this car be as durable and reliable as a gas-powered car?

• Yes, and maybe even more reliable. Electric motors have far fewer parts than gasoline engines. Fewer parts mean less to go wrong. And you'll never need an oil change.

What is the price of the i-MiEV with and without federal tax incentives?

• Either way, it's one of the most affordable electric vehicles in America. Here's an overview of the pricing.

  ES TRIM
  
  $29,125 MSRP
  - $7,500 federal tax credit⁴
  = $21,625 after tax credit4

  SE TRIM
  
  $31,125 MSRP
  - $7,500 federal tax credit⁴
  = $23,625 after tax credit4

Can I take the i-MiEV for a test drive?

• Please do. The i-MiEV is available at dealers in select markets nationwide. If it's available in your area, we highly encourage that you take it for a spin.

How do I find out more about available tax incentives for the
i-MiEV?

• The US Federal Government is offering a $7,500 tax credit⁴ for the purchase of qualified electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and many states and cities are offering additional incentives.

  For a complete list of available federal and local tax credits and incentives visit:

  pluginamerica.org
  goelectricdrive.com

Is the i-MiEV available for fleet purchase?

• Of course. The 100% electric i-MiEV — with room for four and a range of 62 miles ¹ — is an economical solution for fleets that specialize in short deliveries and car sharing (just to name a few of its many corporate uses). For more i-MiEV information regarding fleets, visit our Fleet page.

If I change my mind, can I get a refund?

• Should you decide, for any reason, that the i-MiEV is not quite right for you, the $299 deposit to reserve your car is 100% refundable up to the time of delivery. In addition, the $99.99 fee to secure your home electrical inspection is also refundable, assuming the inspection has not been initiated. If you have scheduled a garage site inspection through AeroVironment, please contact them directly to cancel as it may impact your refund amount. To reach AeroVironment, call (866) 732-3219. Subject to location. Some locations may require additional surcharges. Please allow up to 30 business days for this refund transaction to take place.