The i-MiEV uses a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of about 16 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Battery type and capacity
The vehicle relies on a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack. The 16 kWh pack was chosen to balance driving range, weight, and cost for urban use.
Development and suppliers
Mitsubishi designed and assembled the battery system with input from Japanese battery suppliers. The exact supplier and configuration varied over time and by market as partnerships and supply chains evolved for the i-MiEV and related models.
Key facts about the i-MiEV battery
- Battery type: Lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable energy storage
- Usable capacity: Approximately 16 kWh
- Intended use: Powering an urban-focused electric drivetrain for daily commuting
- Partnerships: Battery sourcing and integration involved Mitsubishi’s suppliers, with variations by market and model year
These items capture the core attributes of the i-MiEV's battery configuration and how it supported the car’s design goals.
Impact on range and charging
Because the i-MiEV relies on a 16 kWh Li-ion pack, the real-world range depends on driving style, weather, and other conditions. The car supported standard charging options available to early mass-market EVs, including home charging and public charging infrastructure, enabling practical city-to-suburban commutes.
Summary
The i-MiEV’s battery is a 16 kWh lithium-ion pack, a cornerstone of its urban-electric design. Its development involved collaboration with Japanese battery suppliers, and its configuration remained a key factor in the vehicle’s performance, charging flexibility, and market fit as one of the early mass-market electric cars.