MIEV

MIEV

MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle) or MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) ( /ˈmiːv/) is the name given by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) to its alternative propulsion technologies. From late 2006, “MiEV” encompasses all of Mitsubishi Motors’s electric drive systems work, including lithium-ion batteries, in-wheel motors and other technologies related to electric vehicle(EV), hybrid-electric vehicle and fuel-cell vehicles.

The Mitsubishi In-wheel motor was first introduced in the Mitsubishi Colt EV, a Colt-based concept car first exhibited at 2005 Tokyo Motor Show which used a series of lithium-ion batteries to power electric motors located in the wheels. Subsequent electrically powered vehicles have included a 200 kW Lancer Evolution, and a battery-equipped Mitsubishi i kei car (i-MIEV).

The i-MiEV was launched for fleet customers in Japan in July 2009, and on April, 1, 2010 sales to the public began in the Japanese market at a price of 4 million yen
(~USD43,000). After government incentives the sale price drops to 2.8 million yen (~$30,500). Sales in other countries are expected to begin in October 2010. Sales in Ireland and the U.K. are scheduled to begin in January 2011.