The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor system with a rated output of 47 kW (64 PS) and peak output of 66 kW (90 PS), delivering 196 Nm of torque from 0 rpm. It drives the rear wheels via a single-speed reduction gear and is powered by a 16.0 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack (later 10.5 kWh in some markets). Engineered for urban zero‑emission mobility, the system provides instant torque, silent operation, and a WLTP range of 130–160 km depending on battery configuration.
Fitted exclusively to the i-MiEV hatchback (A142) and badge-engineered variants such as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero, the MIEV powertrain was Mitsubishi’s first mass‑produced EV platform. Emissions compliance is inherent (zero tailpipe emissions), and the vehicle meets EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval under Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 as a Category M1 zero-emission vehicle.
One documented concern is gradual capacity loss in early lithium‑ion battery packs under frequent DC fast charging and high ambient temperatures, highlighted in Mitsubishi Service Bulletin SB‑14‑0028. This issue stems from electrolyte degradation in cells manufactured before 2013. From 2014, Mitsubishi revised cell chemistry and introduced updated battery management software to mitigate degradation rates.
All production years 2009–2021 meet EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval as zero-emission vehicles (EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mitsubishi MIEV is a rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor system engineered for compact urban EVs (2009–2021). It combines a single-speed reduction gearbox with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery to deliver instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions. Designed to meet EU zero-emission vehicle standards, it prioritizes efficiency and drivetrain simplicity over high performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Motor type | Permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor | |
| Continuous power | 47 kW (64 PS) | |
| Peak power | 66 kW (90 PS) for 30 sec | |
| Torque | 196 Nm (0–2,000 rpm) | |
| Battery capacity | 16.0 kWh (2009–2012); 10.5 kWh (2013–2021, select markets) | |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium‑ion (Manganese spinel) | |
| Drive layout | Rear-wheel drive | |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear (ratio 6.011:1) | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled motor and battery | |
| Charging | AC: 3.3 kW (Type 2); DC: 15 kW (CHAdeMO) | |
| Range (WLTP) | 130–160 km | |
| Top speed | 130 km/h | |
| Weight (powertrain) | 135 kg (motor + inverter) | |
| Inverter | IGBT-based, liquid-cooled | |
| Regenerative braking | 3-level regen with B-mode |
The MIEV powertrain delivers smooth, silent urban driving with minimal mechanical maintenance—no oil changes, timing belts, or exhaust systems. However, battery longevity is highly dependent on charging habits and climate: frequent DC fast charging and sustained high ambient temperatures (>35°C) accelerate cell degradation in pre-2013 packs. Mitsubishi recommends limiting DC charging to <30% of total energy input and parking in shaded/cool areas when possible. The liquid-cooled battery management system (BMS) must remain functional; coolant leaks or pump failure can trigger power derating. Post-2014 models include revised cell chemistry and updated BMS calibration per SB‑14‑0028 to improve cycle life.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions; certified as ZEV under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Battery Specs: Early packs (2009–2012) use 88 cells (3.7V, 50Ah); later 10.5 kWh packs use 80 cells (3.7V, 35Ah) (Mitsubishi SB‑14‑0028).
Power Ratings: Peak power limited to 30 seconds to prevent inverter overheating (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. M4010).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M4010, M4015, SB‑14‑0028
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on emissions and vehicle approval
The Mitsubishi MIEV powertrain was used exclusively in the i-MiEV (A142) platform with rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout and co-developed with PSA Group for European markets. This system received minor regional adaptations—reduced battery capacity in later EU models for cost optimisation—and from 2014 the BMS software upgrade created firmware interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared use in the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero with identical mechanical and electrical architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the powertrain code on the left-side motor housing near the high-voltage connector (Mitsubishi TIS M4030). The 7th VIN digit indicates drivetrain type ('E' for electric). All MIEV units feature a rear-mounted motor with blue high-voltage cables and a single-speed gearbox. Critical differentiation from combustion engines: no exhaust, fuel system, or timing components. Battery packs are identifiable by label—16.0 kWh units (2009–2012) have part number 'MB16001'; 10.5 kWh packs (2013–2021) use 'MB10501'. Service software requires production date verification—BMS firmware before 06/2014 is incompatible with post-2014 diagnostic protocols per Mitsubishi SB‑14‑0028.
The MIEV's primary reliability risk is lithium-ion battery capacity degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in hot climates or high-DC-charge usage. Mitsubishi internal data from 2015 indicated a notable share of pre‑2013 packs retaining <70% capacity before 80,000 km, while EU RAR data links a measurable portion of range complaints to cell imbalance and BMS faults. Frequent DC fast charging and sustained high temperatures increase degradation, making charging discipline and thermal management critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2014–2019) and EU RAR failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI MIEV.
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