USA EV Comparison: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 vs Tesla Model S 85D
Struggling to Decide? Let AI Help!
Your AI Summary Is Ready!
General Info
Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021) for as low as $2995, while the Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) begins at $11990.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021) is a Hatchback, whereas the Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) is a Liftback.
| Property | Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85D |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2010-2021 | 2015-2016 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan | Netherlands, USA |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $2995 | $11990 |
| GCC Score | 4.2 | 6.6 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021).
| Property | Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85D |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 59 mi | 270 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 65 mi | 252 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 16 kWh | 85 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 14.5 kWh | 80.8 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 22.3 kWh/100 mi | 32.1 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.48 mi/kWh | 3.12 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.7 | 6.3 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 120 kW, while the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021) maxes out at 50 kW.
The Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 10 kW, whereas the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021) is limited to 3.7 kW.
| Property | Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85D |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 3.7 kW | 10 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 120 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CHAdeMO Type 1 (J1772) | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 3 | 6.1 |
Performance
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021) is rear-wheel drive, while the Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) offers an all-wheel drive system.
The Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85D |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM (front), IM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 49 kW | 311 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 66 hp | 417 hp |
| Motor Torque | 145 lb-ft | 487 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 15.3 s | 4.4 s |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 155 mph |
| Performance Score | 1.4 | 6.3 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) is longer and wider, but the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021) is taller.
The Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85D |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 144.7 in | 195.7 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 70.6 in | 86.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 62.4 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 63.6 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 100.4 in | 116.5 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
A frunk (front trunk) is available in the Tesla Model S 85D (2015-2016), but the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 (2010-2021) doesn’t have one.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85D |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5, 7 |
| Curb Weight | 2579 lb | 4848 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 13.2 ft3 | 26.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 50.4 ft3 | 58.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 2.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.2 | 5.5 |
