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Mitsubishi i-MiEV: electric city car, battery and related models
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a compact five-door electric car produced from 2009 to 2021 and one of the first mass-produced electric vehicles in Europe. We look at what to expect from it, its relation to the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero, and what to check before buying a used one.
i-MiEV in brief
The i-MiEV is designed as a city car: it's very short (around 3.4 m), making it easy to park and manoeuvre in tight streets. The engine and electrical components are arranged to keep the four-seat interior surprisingly spacious compared to its exterior dimensions.
In the used market, this model suits those who drive short distances and can charge the car at home or work. It's often purchased as a second family car.
Battery, range and charging
The car is equipped with a roughly 16 kWh battery. The manufacturer's claimed range is around 150 km, but in reality, especially in winter and when driving fast, it's significantly less. Heating and air conditioning also reduce the range.
At home, the car can be charged slowly, and for fast charging, there's a CHAdeMO port — the battery charges to around 80% in about half an hour. Before buying, make sure to check what ports are in the specific car and ensure there are charging cables.
Engine and transmission
The i-MiEV is powered by a single electric motor mounted at the rear, driving the rear wheels. Power output is around 49 kW (around 67 hp), with a top speed of around 130 km/h.
No gearbox: a single-speed transmission is used, and the driver simply selects the direction of travel. As a result, driving is smooth and free of jerks, and acceleration in the city is quite leisurely.
What to check when buying a used i-MiEV
The most important thing is the condition of the battery. Ask to see the diagnostics or at least try to realistically assess the range after a full charge. The older the car, the more degraded the battery will be, so the range may be significantly less than stated.
Test both standard and fast charging, check the sockets and charging cables. Also, check the heating, air conditioning, 12V battery, and all electronics, as diagnostics and repairs can be expensive.
Look into the service history and availability of service in your area: finding a suitable specialist for an electric car is harder than for a conventional petrol car.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found trim levels in Europe.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
2009–2021The original model, manufactured by Mitsubishi.
- Electric drivetrain with a ~16 kWh battery
- Four-door, five-seater body
- Often comes with alloy wheels and climate control
Peugeot iOn
From 2010The same car, sold with the Peugeot badge.
- The same technology as the i-MiEV
- Distinctive badges and trim details
- Spare parts often shared with i-MiEV
Citroën C-Zero
From 2010The same car, sold with Citroën badges
- The same technology as the i-MiEV
- Distinctive badges and trim details
- Spare parts often shared with i-MiEV
Aukštesnė komplektacija
All the badgesMore comfort kit than the base model
- Often — heated seats
- Often — more comfort and multimedia kit
- Kit varies by market and year
Badge comparison
| Mitsubishi i-MiEV | Peugeot iOn | Citroën C-Zero | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | City driving | City driving | City driving |
| The tech | The same | The same as i-MiEV | The same as i-MiEV |
| The battery | Around 16 kWh | Around 16 kWh | Around 16 kWh |
| Body | 5 doors, 4 seats | 5 doors, 4 seats | 5 doors, 4 seats |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
Technically, all three cars are identical, so choose based on the condition of the specific example, battery age, and service history, rather than the badge.
Pros
- A quiet, easy-to-drive city car
- Very compact, easy to park
- No need to change engine oil or gearbox fluid
- Low running costs when driving short distances
Cons
- Short real-world range, especially in winter
- Battery degradation can significantly reduce range
- Small boot and modest safety and comfort levels for a modern electric car
Frequently asked questions
How far does the i-MiEV go?
The manufacturer states around 150 km, but in reality, the range is often much shorter, especially in winter or when driving fast. An older car's range is also affected by battery degradation, so be sure to test it.
Is the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero the same car?
Yes, they are the same model with different badges. The technology, battery, and body are essentially the same, with only the names, badges, and some interior details differing.
Can you charge from a standard household socket?
Yes, but it's quite slow, so it's usually recommended to use a dedicated home charging station. For rapid charging, you'll need a CHAdeMO station.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
