Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor with 49 kW peak power and 16 kWh LEJ lithium-ion battery. One of the first production electric vehicles. Check battery degradation on examples from 2011 onwards with a high number of charge cycles. The motor itself is extremely long-lived.
Pioneer of electric mobility
One of the first production electric cars. Tiny, nimble, whisper-quiet — fun in the city, even if the range is modest.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The 16 kWh LEJ battery of the i-MiEV loses capacity with age and charge cycles. Older examples (model years 2011–2014) often show only 60–80% of their original capacity. Real-world range drops to 70–100 km.
Symptoms: Reduced range, bars missing from the battery condition display, reduced acceleration at low state of charge
The i-MiEV's integrated AC charger (3.3 kW) can fail after many charge cycles. Charging via a domestic socket is then no longer possible. The separate CHAdeMO fast-charging function is unaffected. Repair is expensive.
Symptoms: No response when plugged into the mains, warning light illuminates, charging only possible via CHAdeMO fast charger
The i-MiEV's PTC electric heater draws a lot of current in freezing temperatures and reduces range to 40–60 km. Not a defect but inherent to the design — the vehicle is only partially suitable for cold climates.
Symptoms: Very short range at temperatures below 5°C, full heating output reduces range to below 60 km
The i-MiEV's 12V auxiliary battery is not charged via driving like in combustion-engined cars but by the DC/DC converter. During extended stands or if the DC/DC converter fails, it drains. Easy to swap, but the car won't start without it.
Symptoms: Car does not respond to the start button, no displays, only warning lights on startup
Vehicle Weaknesses 3
The LEV50 cells lose up to 17 percent of their capacity after just 40,000 km. Frequent fast charging significantly accelerates degradation. Mitsubishi offers individual module repair rather than a complete replacement (approx. €1,000 per cell block).
The electric resistance heater consumes a substantial portion of the already modest battery capacity in winter. Range drops by up to 50 percent in sub-zero temperatures. No heat pump fitted as standard.
A cable bracket welded to the body next to the CHAdeMO charging port collects dirt and moisture. Rust forms at this point and can spread to surrounding areas.