Mitsubishi i-MiEV joins Carsales fleet

Mitsubishi's i-MiEV is set to play an invaluable part in the trial of electric vehicle technology in Victoria. And as one of the foundation customers for Mitsubishi's diminutive zero-emissions vehicle, the Carsales Network will be an active participant in the trial.

An example of fhe four-seat plug-in electric vehicle joined the 50-strong Carsales Network fleet earlier this week, and will be put to the task of day-to-day fleet operations, as well as undergoing editorial evaluation.

The i-MiEV, which complies fully with Australian Design Rules, can be charged at home via a regular 15-amp plug (the same most homes would use to power an air conditioner, split-system or oven).  Charging times vary depending on how empty the 'tank' is, but from empty a normal recharge will take between six and eight hours. That might seem like an excessive amount of time, but given most people can drive to and from work for a couple of days before charging, the overnight plug in isn't that great an inconvenience, no different from charging your mobile phone, really.

Best yet, even on the dearest peak-hour rates, i-MiEV consumes only $4 of power to recharge -- or enough to travel up to 150-kilometres. Like any car, the range is susceptible to driving behaviour, traffic conditions and use of in-car ancillaries, such as the heater, air conditioner and headlamps -- all of which are, of course, battery fed.

i-MiEV is punchy too, accelerating from 0-80km/h a whole 1.5 seconds quicker than its petrol-powered equivalent. Top speed is electronically limited to 130km/h to comply with Japanese K-Class vehicle legislation. Mitsubishi says it plans to have 20 per cent of its vehicle production dedicated to electric vehicle like the i-MiEV -- the first of its kind -- by 2020.

Our editorial team is raring to get some real-world figures on i-MiEV and determine just how well the little EV conducts itself in the real world. Watch this space.