5 Fierce Concepts
Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport
Electric city cars get a fast and fun addition in the form of the i MiEV Sport concept.
Mitsubishi's cool-looking "i" family of electric city cars gets a fast and fun addition in the form of the i MiEV Sport concept. Looking like a modern, fastback version of BMW's Isetta bubble car, but with conventional doors, the i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout.
This long-wheelbase design uses this configuration to mount the lithium ion battery pack in the middle of the vehicle beneath the floor, which contributes to an extremely low center of gravity. Like the other cars in the i series, the i MiEV Sport is driven by two hub-mounted motors in the front and a single rear-mounted motor powering the rear wheels. An electronic all-wheel-drive system distributes torque among the four wheels to provide optimum traction, stability control and regenerative braking.
In addition to the battery pack, the i MiEV is equipped with roof-mounted photovoltaic cells to provide auxiliary power to the car's accessories.
The i MiEV features an aluminum space frame covered by plastic body panels painted light green as a way of advertising its eco-friendly credentials. Inside, the interior features blue LED lighting and extensive use of Green Plastic, Mitsubishi's unique plant-based resin technology.
