New iMiEV in Japan gets 6 regen levels like the Outlander PHEV

[zzcoopej]

The six-level regenerative braking system using paddle shift switches is also used for Mitsubishi Motors' "Outlander PHEV." And, this time, the same system was employed for the i-MiEV.

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/atclen/news_en/15mk/012601106/

 

[PV1]

Interesting. Their global site doesn't mention this, but show the "new" i-MiEV in three new colors: Red Metallic, Lightning Blue, and Chocolate Brown.

Here are a couple of pictures I found on the Japan site (while everything on the page is in Japanese, the links show up in English in my browser, so I can still find my way around .

It still has the 3-position gear selector, but there are now paddles at the steering wheel. Perhaps the 3 drive modes have adjustable regen now?

Regardless, it's hard for me to get excited about the i-MiEV's future anymore. The last piece of mail I got from Mitsubishi shows their full lineup against a dark Chicago skyline, and every vehicle except the i-MiEV were light colored. The only way I saw that the i-MiEV was on there was because the amber turn signal lenses stood out. Someone glancing at it would never see it.

 

[Don]

It does look like there are several paddles attached to the steering wheel in the pictures - Nice addition

Don

 

[zzcoopej]

Regardless, it's hard for me to get excited about the i-MiEV's future anymore.

I was surprised they even updated the iMiEV. Its so dated now, only a very cheap price could keep it moving out the dealerships.

The steering stalks and paddles in that picture look pretty much identical to my PHEV. I really like the paddles in the PHEV, especially on long downhill roads where you can click through the regen levels to maintain a constant speed instead of using the brake pedal. Most owners are annoyed however that the car powers on in B2 (apparently to make the car feel like an ICE), so 3 clicks to get max regen (B5). B0 is great for hypermiling, like shifting the iMiEV into neutral which I've tried a few times but don't bother doing in the iMiEV.

 

[JoeS]

zzcoopej, thank you very much for this post. BTW, I'm presently just down the road (940km) from you in Melbourne, flying down to Hobart today.

The new i-MiEV paddle arrangement sounds marvelous! I've been promoting paddle-actuated regen for over ten years, ever since I added the joystick to my Gen1 Honda Insight. Fingertip control over the throttle and regen is so much easier and elegant than using one's foot, IMO. :ugeek:

I'm afraid the proprietary Mitsu interface makes me not even want to tackle the possibility of retrofitting my existing i-MiEVs with this feature. :evil:

So, how to bring one of these new Japanese versions into the US…? I also like the narrower width and don't mind RHD. Don't suppose technical restrictions removal will be included with the alleged upcoming massive rollback of our US regulations? :roll: :lol:

 

[zzcoopej]

BTW, I'm presently just down the road (940km) from you in Melbourne

Yes I noticed that in another post of yours, welcome and G'day! Sorry about the weather, not sure if Melbourne has been copping it however its regularly sizzling up here. If I get a battery failure, I know why.

I also like the narrower width

I'll swap you, the only time I like the narrowness is when a SUV passes a parking spot and I get to squeeze in.