Mitsubishi i MiEV "Electric Vehicle"

"I MiEV" electric vehicle is a small car based on the 660cc gasoline-driven "i". Even when taking into account CO 2 emissions at power plants that generate the power needed for charging the car, it emits only about 30% of CO 2 from small gasoline cars. Cost per mile to drive one-third that i MiEV comparable gasoline vehicles. Depending on the cost of electricity, the cost per mile can go down to 1 / 9 that of gasoline, for example, when charged during off-peak or night hours. strong acceleration is achieved through the magnet compact and highly efficient motors in sync that produce high torque from low speeds. Because the vehicle uses an electric motor is free from vertical vibrations associated with gasoline engines, he walked very slowly.

Using on-board charger, the vehicle can be filled with 100V or 200V power source at home. In addition, if fast-charger is currently being developed by the utility company is used, it will allow for the cost of the vehicle in a short time.

I-MiEV has three modes - D, Eco and B - are selected using the gearshift. To experience the most like a conventional subcompact car, Drive is the best mode, but he took the biggest bite out of your reach. B to maximize the power and regenerative braking, which send energy back to the battery. I have spent most of my time in the Eco, which Mitsubishi recommends to get around the city. This cuts the output of the 47-kilowatt (63-horsepower) motor as well as providing good regen. But now I've actually read the manual (I found this morning in the glove box), I will try B because that's how you get more coverage.

I have filled in the i-MiEV with a conventional 110-volt wall socket using the cable 10-gauge 50-foot indoor-outdoor extension. I plug it in when I'm done for the night and pull out when I go to work. A piece of cake. I do not drain the battery - not yet - but Mitsubishi says you'll need 12 to 14 hours to fully charge it using 110.

I do not have easy access to 220, but there are some public chargers in San Francisco that I plan to check out soon. Connect to 220 and you are fully charged in six to eight hours. I do not do math, but I expect to pay less than two dollars to charge the battery if and when I had to dry them completely.

daily commute is a breeze me, only 17.4 kilometers of road. But it's all highway driving, so that sucks down the juice. A useful state-of-charge meter on the dashboard to help track your energy usage, and I have to work this morning with about two-thirds of the pack left. Not bad.