From http://green.autoblog.

com/2011/11/28/mitsubishi-suzuki-launch-
minicab-miev-japan/


Mitsubishi Motors to Launch New MINICAB-MiEV Commercial Electric
Vehicle in Japan

- Prices start from 1,730,000 after application of eco-car subsidy -


Tokyo, November 24, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that it
will launch the new MINICAB-MiEV*1 minicar-class commercial electric vehicle (EV)-
the second product in its next-generation EV lineup-on December 8, 2011 at
dealerships throughout Japan. Depending on specification the new model will carry a
pre-incentive manufacturer's recommended retail price (MSRP) of between
\2,400,000 and \2,971,000, consumption tax included.

*1: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle

Derived from the MINICAB Van minicar-class commercial vehicle, the MINICAB-MiEV
has been developed maximizing the technologies and knowhow gained from the
development of the i-MiEV in delivering the superior environmental performance
inherent to an EV, together with the high levels of operating economy, payload
capacity, drivability and reliability demanded of a commercial vehicle.

The MINICAB-MiEV will come with a choice of two sizes of drive battery to allow the
customer to choose the cruising range best suited to his or her needs. The CD 10.5
kWh battery version provides a cruising range of 100 km (at JC08 mode) on a single
charge, while the CD 16.0 kWh version takes this up to 150 km. MMC has set prices
at an accessible level: with the application of the Japanese Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry's eco-car subsidy, the final cost to the consumer for the CD 10.6
kWh and CD 16.0 kWh battery versions will be reduced to \1,730,000 and
\2,020,000 respectively. As with the i-MiEV, the MINICAB-MiEV will be sold on a
maintenance lease, credit or cash basis.

When MMC started sales of the i-MiEV new-generation EV in the Japanese market in
July 2009 it was the first auto manufacturer to offer a truly "ultimate eco-car" that
fully addresses issues facing our society today including environmental pollution,
global warming and exhaustion of petroleum-based energy supplies. Since then MMC
has sold some 5,000 units in Japan and has shipped a total of about 17,000 units (as
of October 31, 2011), including units supplied to PSA Peugeot Citron. As a leading
manufacturer of EVs, MMC is confident that as it expands its lineup of EV models it
will serve as pioneers on the path toward quickly making possible a low-carbon
society.

1. MINICAB-MiEV Product Features
The new MINICAB-MiEV is derived from the CD model in the MINICAB series of
minicar-class commercial vehicles. Powered by the same drive battery and motor
drivetrain already well proven in the i-MiEV, the new model offers payload capacity
on a par with the MINICAB CD, as well as a cruising range that is ample for the
requirements of a minicar-class commercial vehicle. The new MINICAB-MiEV also
provides outstanding operating economy at an accessible price. MINICAB-MiEV
provides a level of all-round performance that is well above that of conventional
minicar-class commercial vehicles as its electric motor drivetrain delivers superior
environmental performance and outstanding power and its whisper-quiet driving
make for a pleasant and comfortable operating environment.

1) Environmental performance
The MINICAB-MiEV is a "zero-emissions vehicle" (zero drive-time emissions) and so
is the ideal type of vehicle for transporting foodstuffs, fresh flowers and other
sensitive cargo, or for delivery/collection work in areas normally inaccessible to a
gasoline-powered vehicle (within facilities, in an environmentally protected area,
etc.).

2) Economy
Being derived from the low cost/high performance MINICAB Van and employing
most of the same major EV components as the i-MiEV allows Mitsubishi Motors to
sell the MINICAB-MiEV at an accessible price. In addition, with the application of the
Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Subsidies for measures
designed to promote introduction of clean energy vehicles," the CD 10.5 kWh
version comes with an attractive price tag starting at \1,730,000.
Commercial vehicles are usually owned longer and cover longer cumulative mileages
than family cars; so the MINICAB-MiEV also offers possible advantages over a
comparable gasoline-powered in terms of total operating cost, including the price of
the vehicle, because the main running cost is just that of the comparatively
inexpensive electricity used to charge its battery. Further, because the MINICAB-
MiEV can be charged at the business or at home it eliminates the need to make
separate journeys to gasoline stations.

3) Payload capacity
The MINICAB-MiEV sports the same outstanding packaging as the i-MiEV where the
high-capacity drive battery is located under the floor and the motor, inverter and
other EV components are located under the cargo compartment. The result is cargo
compartment space and payload capacity (350 kg with two occupants) which are on
a par with the MINICAB CD, therefore delivering the high levels of utility required in
a commercial vehicle.

4) Driving performance
The MINICAB-MiEV leverages the electric motor's inherent characteristic of
generating maximum torque as soon as the vehicle starts to move off to enable
stress-free gutsy performance even when fully-loaded.
In addition, because of the EV's inherently quiet operation, the MINICAB-MiEV
makes the ideal commercial vehicle for delivery work early in the morning or late at
night in residential districts. The lack of vibration also makes it well suited to
transporting delicate goods. The stress-free and very quiet performance are
complemented further by excellent ride comfort and all this helps to reduce fatigue
in full-time drivers who are behind the wheel for many hours a day.

5) Reliability
The MINICAB-MiEV uses the same drive battery, motor and other major components
that have been well-proven in the i-MiEV and also shares the advanced MiEV OS
integrated vehicle management system. Constantly monitoring the charge remaining
in the battery while at the same time regulating the regenerative braking system,
the MiEV OS operates to ensure smooth and powerful off-the-line performance. The
system contributes to pleasant, safe and reassuring vehicle operation while
optimizing and saving energy use.

2. Product Overview (Main changes over MINICAB CD base model)

MINICAB-MiEV specifications (2-seater with high-roof model)


1) Major components

The MINICAB MiEV shares the following components with the i-MiEV: drive battery,
motor, inverter, on-board charger, air-conditioner and rear suspension.
The MINICAB MiEV uses the same 10.5 kWh and 16.0 kWh lithium-ion drive
batteries as the i-MiEV, and these provide a cruising range ample for normal minicar-
class commercial vehicle use.
The MINICAB MiEV uses the same compact, lightweight and high-efficiency Y4F1
motor as the i-MiEV but with its motive performance tailored to the vehicle's
presumed use as a minicar-class commercial vehicle. The motor generates maximum
off-the-line torque and provides gutsy performance even when the car is fully
loaded. The regenerative braking system can use the motor as a generator during
braking and store the recovered kinetic energy as electricity in the drive battery.

2) Interior (controls and displays)

As on the i-MiEV, the driver can use the drive selector to choose from three modes:
"D," "Eco," and "B." This allows him or her to choose between normal operation,
lower output/energy-saving operation, and operation in which the regenerative
brake bias is increased.
The MINICAB-MiEV uses the i-MiEV's combination instrument cluster which houses
Digital Speedometer, Power Meter, Drive Battery Residual Charge Indicator and
Available Range displays.

3) Safety features

All models are fitted with ABS and TCL (traction control) as standard.
The advanced MiEV OS vehicle management system constantly monitors the state of
the drive battery. In the event of a collision, electricity leak or a fault occurring, the
system cuts off the high-voltage circuitry from the drive battery to protect the safety
of occupants and rescue teams.
All models are fitted as standard with a vehicle-approaching alert system which, at
vehicle speeds of approximately 25 km/h or less, emits an audible warning to alert
pedestrians to the approach of the vehicle.

4) Other features

For regular charging purposes The MINICAB-MiEV comes standard with a 200V AC
(15 amp) cable that fits outdoor sockets used for EV battery charging. A 100V AC
(10 amp) cable and a Quick Charging Connector are available as factory-supplied
options.
The MINICAB-MiEV comes in a choice of three body colors: White Solid, Cool Silver
Metallic and Titanium Grey Metallic. Exclusive decals (for the body sides and tailgate)
which accent the advanced nature of EVs are available as factory-supplied options.
The MINICAB-MiEV is available with the Exceed Package exterior and interior
upgrade kit which includes a chrome-finish front grille, color-keyed door mirror and
front and rear seat upholstery using fabric cloth as a factory option.

3. Sales information
1) Sales target: 4,000 units (December 2011 through March 2012)
2) Available at: All Mitsubishi Motors affiliated dealerships in Japan
3) MSRP: (Prices do not include recycling fee, insurance, taxes other than
consumption tax or registration costs)