Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1

Overview

The 2021 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 bows out as one of the earliest affordable stabs at electric motoring, a true pioneer for city slickers. It’s a no-frills, compact hatchback that championed basic, zero-emission urban transport. While production ceased in 2021, its key highlight remains its super-low running costs and, on the pre-owned market, an almost unbelievably cheap entry point into EV ownership, with used prices around a mere $2,995 in the US. It’s quirky, small, and designed purely for zipping around town without fuss.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV waved its final goodbye as production concluded. Don't expect a list of shiny new gadgets or a radical redesign; this old soldier stayed true to its original mission of simple, accessible electric driving. In its last year, it carried forward its established package, offering a basic but functional EV experience for those prioritizing low costs and a tiny footprint over the latest tech. It’s more a collectible piece of early EV history than a cutting-edge 2021 model.

Design & Exterior

The i-MiEV's design is... distinctive! It's a super-compact, tall, and narrow hatchback that screams "city car" with its almost bubble-like appearance, a look only a mother (or a dedicated EV enthusiast) could truly love. Measuring just 144.7 inches long, 62.4 inches wide, and 63.6 inches high, it’s built to squeeze into the tightest urban spots. Forget fancy LED light signatures or massive alloys; the i-MiEV Gen 1 keeps it real with basic, functional styling that prioritizes practicality over pizzazz. Its unique, almost kei-car proportions are its defining exterior trait.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i-MiEV, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s all about function over form, with plenty of hard-wearing plastics. It's cozy, seating four, though rear passengers might find it a tad snug on longer trips. Tech-wise, it’s pretty old-school; don't expect large touchscreens or smartphone mirroring – think basic audio. For a tiny car, cargo space is surprisingly decent: 13.2 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 50.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. No frunk here, though; this is strictly utilitarian EV motoring!

Performance & Driving Experience

The i-MiEV isn't going to win any drag races, with a leisurely 0-60 mph stroll taking 15.3 seconds. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) powers the rear wheels, delivering a modest 49 kW (around 66 hp) and 145 lb-ft of instant torque. This makes it surprisingly nippy off the line for city darting. The driving experience is pure urban agility: light steering, a tiny turning circle, and easy parking. The ride is basic, and it’s best suited for smooth city streets. Regenerative braking helps to claw back a bit of range.

Range, Battery & Charging

With a usable battery capacity of 14.5 kWh, the i-MiEV Gen 1 offers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 65 miles – strictly for city duties, then! Its efficiency is a respectable 4.48 mi/kWh. For charging, it sports a Type 1 (J1772) port for AC and a CHAdeMO for DC. The standard 3.7 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up in around 4 hours. If you find a 50 kW DC fast charger, you can zap it to 80% in about 30 minutes. No fancy V2L here.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the i-MiEV Gen 1 achieved a respectable 4-star rating from both NHTSA and Euro NCAP back in its day. Standard kit included the essentials like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control – pretty much what you'd expect for its era and price point. However, don't go looking for fancy modern driver-assistance systems; features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring weren't on the menu for this pioneering, budget-focused EV. It’s all about basic, fundamental safety.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a discontinued model, any new 2021 i-MiEV would have originally come with Mitsubishi's standard US warranty: typically a 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage and a more generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and battery components, including protection against significant degradation. Being an EV, maintenance is delightfully minimal – no oil changes here! Think tires, brakes, and wiper blades. Reliability for these simple electric pioneers is generally good, focused on getting you from A to B without fuss, though battery health on older used examples is key.