i-MiEV: the “little big car”
Predating the EV revolution, which continues to build momentum, the Mitsubishi Motors i-MiEV (short for Mitsubishi innovative electric vehicle) was the world’s first mass-produced electric car. It went on sale to fleet customers in its home market of Japan in July 2009.
Left-hand drive variants destined for Europe started production a year later, and in December 2011, the i-MiEV entered the Canadian and U.S markets.
Affectionately known as the “little big car” in Japan, the i-MiEV’s roots date back to 2003 when the Mitsubishi “I” concept was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The tiny car with its relatively large cabin was a hit with the public that favourably responded to its cute styling and spacious interior.
Left-hand drive variants destined for Europe started production a year later, and in December 2011, the i-MiEV entered the Canadian and U.S markets.
Affectionately known as the “little big car” in Japan, the i-MiEV’s roots date back to 2003 when the Mitsubishi “I” concept was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The tiny car with its relatively large cabin was a hit with the public that favourably responded to its cute styling and spacious interior.
Classified as a keijidosha “kei-car,” the I concept was powered by a rear-mounted 659 cc dual-overhead cam 3-cylinder gasoline engine that utilized Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control) to maximize fuel efficiency and power output.
The motor’s placement just ahead of the rear axle was the reason for all the room inside, and a low centre of gravity, which enhanced the ride and handling in a similar way to a mid-engine sports car.
The motor’s placement just ahead of the rear axle was the reason for all the room inside, and a low centre of gravity, which enhanced the ride and handling in a similar way to a mid-engine sports car.
The car’s unique layout made it a perfect candidate for an electric conversion. Mitsubishi Motors replaced the gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted within the floor. The electric motor made a total of 47 kW (63 hp). The range was estimated at 160km using the Japanese test cycle and 155km when it launched in Canada.
Only the Nissan Leaf EV was available at the time, but the i-MiEV’s ultra-compact dimensions made it more favourable in the tight confines of a city, and it was cheaper with a starting price of $32,998. The i-MiEV’s battery was smaller than what you get in the Outlander PHEV today, which is rated at 22.7 kWh in the 2026 edition.
While it didn’t have a lot of power, the tiny i-MiEV didn’t weigh much at 1,080 kg (2,380 lb). And with fast-charging capability, it would take just 30 minutes to go from 0 to 80 per cent. It could also be charged using a Level 2 charger in about 7 hours and from a standard 110-volt plug in 22 hours.
While it didn’t have a lot of power, the tiny i-MiEV didn’t weigh much at 1,080 kg (2,380 lb). And with fast-charging capability, it would take just 30 minutes to go from 0 to 80 per cent. It could also be charged using a Level 2 charger in about 7 hours and from a standard 110-volt plug in 22 hours.
The i-MiEV was fun to drive and was positioned as the ideal second car for those looking toward sustainable personal transportation options or as a supplement to ride sharing and public transit.
Despite its size, the i-MiEV was equipped with the latest safety technology, including advanced front, side and side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), stability control and traction control. A cold-weather package included heated mirrors and a battery-warming system.
The i-MiEV was significantly cheaper than the Nissan Leaf, which was also new at the time and had a similar amount of range. It drove home the fact that electric cars were viable for daily use. With its maintenance-free electric motor and battery, the i-MiEV was a model of reliability as much as it was efficiency.
Developed due to the growing demand for sustainable transportation and to address the issues of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, the i-MiEV was a forward-thinking vehicle.
Despite its size, the i-MiEV was equipped with the latest safety technology, including advanced front, side and side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), stability control and traction control. A cold-weather package included heated mirrors and a battery-warming system.
The i-MiEV was significantly cheaper than the Nissan Leaf, which was also new at the time and had a similar amount of range. It drove home the fact that electric cars were viable for daily use. With its maintenance-free electric motor and battery, the i-MiEV was a model of reliability as much as it was efficiency.
Developed due to the growing demand for sustainable transportation and to address the issues of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, the i-MiEV was a forward-thinking vehicle.
Much of what was learned with i-MiEV was applied to the Outlander PHEV, which is capable of driving with battery power alone, with a gasoline engine as backup. The Outlander PHEV was one of the only plug-in hybrid vehicles to feature a fast-charging CHAdeMO plug when it launched, and it became the best-selling PHEV in the world. The current model continues to top PHEV sales charts in Canada even today.
For the 2018 model year, Mitsubishi made the decision to cease i-MiEV sales in Canada. You can still find used examples of the i-MiEV for sale, a testament to Mitsubishi Motors’ build quality and the longevity of the “little big car.” But more than that, the little keijidosha from Japan showed the world that electric cars truly could be the next evolutionary leap in personal mobility.
For the 2018 model year, Mitsubishi made the decision to cease i-MiEV sales in Canada. You can still find used examples of the i-MiEV for sale, a testament to Mitsubishi Motors’ build quality and the longevity of the “little big car.” But more than that, the little keijidosha from Japan showed the world that electric cars truly could be the next evolutionary leap in personal mobility.