What's New for 2014
The 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is offered in a single ES trim level, and standard and optional equipment have been revised.
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As charging stations become common in city centers across the country, electric vehicles are starting to get a little more practical, especially if you have a short commute. If you're shopping for a new EV, you'll find that the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the least expensive entry point into all-electric transportation. Although its sheer affordability is compelling, the i-MiEV has some significant downsides that might make it less of a bargain than it initially appears.
To its credit, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is likely to meet most shoppers' basic requirements for an electric vehicle. Small and lightweight, this four-door hatchback feels almost spirited in city traffic, and it's extremely easy to maneuver and park. However, if your daily drive includes highway travel, you'll find that the i-MiEV's skinny tires and fairly basic suspension result in a bouncy ride. Accelerating up to cruising speed might also test your patience: EV takes nearly 15 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is quite slow, even for an electric car in this price range.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is an all-electric four-door hatchback available in a single ES trim level.
Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, heated side mirrors, full power accessories, air-conditioning, heated front seats, 50/50-split-folding rear seats that also recline, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an onboard recharging system (with a 120-volt portable charging cable), and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
Also included are a Level 3 quick-charging port and a remote system that pre-activates climate control and the charging timer. Optional equipment includes rear parking sensors, a USB port, blue LED interior lighting and a cargo net.
Powertrains and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is powered by a 49-kilowatt electric motor (66 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque) fed by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. There are three selectable driving modes: "D" for full power, "Eco" which limits power output to maximize economy and "B," which increases regenerative braking but allows for full use of power. In Edmunds testing, the i-MiEV went from zero to 60 mph in 14.7 seconds -- a very long time, even for an electric vehicle.
Driving range is an EPA-estimated 62 miles per charge. Other small electric vehicles typically have a longer range of about 75-85 miles. The EPA has given the i-MiEV an energy consumption estimate of 30 kWh per 100 miles rating (the lower the kWh number, the better), which is on par with the Nissan Leaf.
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