2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV Owners Manual

1-2 General information/Charging
1Familiarizing yourself with i-MiEV
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i-MiEV is a pure electric vehicle. Some of the vehicle systems
operate differently from and have different characteristics than
ordinary vehicles equipped with an internal combustion
engine. For this reason, it is very important to read carefully
this entire owner’s manual.Main features
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i-MiEV is powered only by electricity. This vehicle does
not emit exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitro-
gen oxide.

The i-MiEV uses electricity stored in the lithium ion bat-
tery. The lithium-ion battery is called the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery. This vehicle does not have an internal
combustion engine and does not require gasoline or diesel
fuel.

The main drive lithium-ion battery must be charged with
electricity to drive the vehicle. As the vehicle operates, the
main drive lithium-ion battery gradually discharges. If the
main drive lithium-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged, the vehicle will not operate until it is re-charged.
The charging process can take up to 23 hours as described
more precisely in this manual.

This vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is 12V
starter battery that is the same type of the battery used in
ordinary vehicles. It is called the 12V starter battery. The
other battery which propels the vehicle is called the main
drive lithium-ion battery.

The 12V starter battery provides power to the vehicle sys-
tems and features such as the audio system, supplemental
restraint systems, headlights and windshield wiper.
The main drive lithium-ion battery provides power to the
electric motor that propels the vehicle and charges the
12V starter battery.

Through a process called regenerative braking, the main
drive lithium-ion battery is automatically charged, while
the vehicle is decelerating or being driven downhill.
NOTE
If the 12V starter battery is discharge, the electric motor
unit cannot be started. And also the main drive lithium-ion
battery cannot be charged.
WA R N I N G
!
Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is
no engine noise, pedestrians may not know the vehi-
cle is approaching and may step into the path of
vehicle travel. Refer to “Approaching vehicle audi-
ble system (AVAS)” on page 3-38.
When leaving the vehicle, always turn off the elec-
tric motor switch. Refer to “Electric motor switch”
on page 3-30.
When parking, to avoid unintended vehicle move-
ment, always move the selector lever to “P” (PARK)
position and apply the parking brake because the
vehicle can move when the ready indicator light is
ON. When the ready indicator light is ON, do not
leave the selector lever in a position other than the
“P” (PARK) position. For the ready indicator, refer
to “Indicator and warning light package” on page 3-
71.
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General information/Charging
1-3
1
Regenerative braking
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It is equivalent to engine braking of a gasoline or diesel pow-
ered vehicle. When you take your foot off the accelerator pedal
during driving, motion energy is converted into electric energy
using the motor as a power generator.
During this conversion, braking force is generated and con-
verted electric energy is used to charge the main drive lithium-
ion battery. The generative braking force can be adjusted using
the selector lever.
Set the selector lever to “B” (REGENERATIVE BRAKE
MODE) or “ECO” (ECO MODE) position for increased regen-
erative braking as follows:

“B”: Strong regenerative braking (For downhill driving)

“ECO”: Moderate regenerative braking (For economical
driving or gentle downhill driving)NOTE
If a problem occurs in the electric motor unit, or if the
ABS and/or the ASC have been activated, the regenera-
tive braking will be restricted. The service brakes will still
operate.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until you are ready
to drive. When the vehicle is in the “D” (DRIVE),
“ECO” (ECO MODE), “B” (REGENERATIVE
BRAKE MODE) or “R” (REVERSE) position, if
you release the brake pedal and even if you do not
depress accelerator, the vehicle will creep and may
move slowly.
WA R N I N G
!
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1-4 General information/Charging
1
Main drive lithium-ion battery
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NOTE
It is recommended that your vehicle be stored at tempera-
tures below 77 °F (25 °C) to help maximize the life of the
main drive lithium-ion battery.Decrease of battery capacity
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The capacity of the lithium-ion battery used as the main
drive lithium-ion battery on your i-MiEV, like other com-
monly used lithium ion batteries, will decrease according
to time and usage. This type of decrease in battery capac-
ity is normal, and is not indicative of any defect or failure
in your main drive lithium-ion battery. As the main drive
lithium-ion battery capacity decreases, the initial cruising
range of the vehicle will similarly decrease.
WA R N I N G
!
The main drive lithium-ion battery is a sealed high
voltage battery and has no user serviceable parts.
• To avoid severe burns and/or electrical shock that
may result in serious injury or death, never
attempt to detach the main drive lithium-ion bat-
tery from the vehicle or try to disassemble it.
• Never attempt to dispose or recycle the main drive
lithium-ion battery by yourself. Consult with a
certified i-MiEV dealer, when the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery is disposed or recycled.
• Never attempt to use the main drive lithium-ion
battery for any other purpose.CAUTION
!
To help prevent damage to the main drive lithium-
ion battery, follow the instructions described below.
Failure to do so can result in damage to the main
drive lithium-ion battery that will not be covered by
the main drive lithium-ion battery warranty.
• Do not leave your vehicle with the energy level
gauge (Refer to “Energy level gauge” on page 3-
69) showing 0 bars.
• Repeatedly performing quick charging can reduce
battery capacity. Regular charging is recom-
mended unless quick charging is necessary.

Do not store your vehicle at ambient temperatures
above 131 °F (55 °C) for over 24 hours, or below
-13 °F (-25 °C) for over 7 days. The temperatures
may damage the main drive lithium-ion battery.
CAUTION
!
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General information/Charging
1-5
1

Mitsubishi Motors estimates that after 5 years, the capac-
ity of the main drive lithium-ion battery provided with
your vehicle will be approximately 80% of the original
capacity. After 10 years, the capacity should be approxi-
mately 70% of the original capacity. These are only esti-
mates, and the actual capacity of your vehicle battery over
time will depend on a variety of factors including how
your vehicle is used, stored and charged. Factors that can
adversely affect battery capacity over time include fre-
quent driving using aggressive acceleration/deceleration,
repeated frequent use of the quick charger, and opera-
tion/storage in extreme temperature environments.

The main drive lithium-ion battery has a limited service
life, and when its charging capacity falls, owners should
bring their vehicle to a certified i-MiEV dealer for inspec-
tion and possible battery replacement.

For details regarding the warranty coverage for the main
drive lithium-ion battery, refer to the Warranty and Main-
tenance Manual.NOTE
To help maintain the capacity of the main drive lithium-
ion battery, the following are recommended:
• Fully charge the vehicle by regular charging every 2
weeks.
• Do not repeat charging when the main drive lithium-ion
battery is at or near full charge.
Cruising range
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The distance you can drive the vehicle (cruising range)
depends on a number of factors including available charge,
weather, temperature, usage, battery age, topography, and driv-
ing style. When the main drive lithium-ion battery is new, the
estimated cruising range with a fully charged main drive lith-
ium-ion battery is 62 miles (100 km) based on the EPA labora-
tory test commonly called the combined range. Your actual
range can vary, either initially or as the battery ages and with
use over time.
As the main drive lithium-ion battery capacity decreases, the
cruising range of the vehicle will similarly decrease. Refer to
“Decrease of battery capacity” on page 1-4.NOTE
Since cooling or heating consumes power from the main
drive lithium-ion battery, operation of these functions will
reduce the cruising range.

Put the selector lever in the “B” (REGENERATIVE
BRAKE MODE) or “Eco” (ECO MODE) position
according to the road condition. Using appropriate regen-
erative braking can help increase the cruising range. Refer
to “Regenerative braking” on page 1-3.
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1-6 General information/Charging
1
Range-Driving conditions
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Shorten
driving
range

Lengthen
driving
range
Range Reducing Condition Range Extending
High acceleration, speed Driving style Low acceleration, speed
Heater on Heater usageHeater off
(or use seat heater)
A/C on A/C usage A/C off
Highway City/Highway City
Heavy payload Payload Light payload
Windy, wet Weather Calm, dry
Uphill, rough Road conditions Flat/Downhill, smooth
D-mode Drive mode (Eco or B mode)
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General information/Charging
1-7
1 Modifications to and racing of your vehicle
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This vehicle should not be modified with non-Mitsubishi
Motors genuine parts. Mitsubishi Motors designs and manufac-
tures high quality vehicles with an emphasis on safety and
durability. Modifications using non-Mitsubishi Motors genuine
parts may affect the performance, safety and/or durability of
your vehicle, and may violate applicable state and/or federal
regulations.
DAMAGE OR PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS RESULT-
ING FROM MODIFICATIONS TO OR RACING OF
YOUR VEHICLE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WAR-
RANTY.
Examples of modifications to your vehicle that can cause dam-
age or performance problems include the following:

Failure to use Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts

Failure to use required fluids (refer to “Refill capacities”
on page 9-10)

Failure to use proper size tires and wheels

Modification of the suspension, electric motor, drive train,
batteries (main drive lithium-ion battery and 12V starter
battery), charging systems or electrical wiring systems

Modification of any onboard computer/control module,
including reprogramming, or replacing/adding chips to
any onboard computer/control module
Review the Warranty and Maintenance Manual for further
details regarding warranty coverage.
Installation of accessories
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The installation of accessories, optional parts, etc., should
only be carried out within the limits prescribed by law in
the driving area and in accordance with the guidelines and
warnings contained within the documents accompanying
this vehicle.
Only Mitsubishi Motors approved accessories should be
fitted to your vehicle.

Improper installation of electrical parts could cause fire.
Refer to the “Modification/alterations to the electrical sys-
tems” section within this owner’s manual.

Tires and wheels which do not meet specifications must
not be used.
Refer to the “Specifications” section for information
regarding wheel and tire sizes.
CAUTION
!
Before any electrical or electronic accessories are
installed, consult a certified i-MiEV dealer.
WA R N I N G
!
If you choose to use a cellular phone while driving,
you must not allow that usage to distract you in the
safe operation of your vehicle. Anything, including
cellular phone usage, that distracts you from the
safe operation of your vehicle increases your risk of
an accident.
Refer to and follow all local laws in your area
regarding cellular phone usage while driving.
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1-8 General information/Charging
1
Important point!Due to the large number of accessory and replacement parts
provided by different manufacturers in the market, it is not
always possible for a certified i-MiEV dealer to check whether
the attachment or installation of non-Mitsubishi Motors genu-
ine parts will affect the driving safety of your Mitsubishi-vehi-
cle.
Modification/alterations to the electrical systems
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Mitsubishi Motors manufactures high quality vehicles with an
emphasis on safety. It is important to consult a certified i-
MiEV dealer before installation of any accessory which may
involve modification of the electrical systems.
CAUTION
!
Please consult a certified i-MiEV dealer concerning
any such accessory fitment or modification.
If the wires interfere with the vehicle body or
improper installation methods are used (protective
fuses not included, etc.), electronic devices may be
adversely affected, resulting in a fire, vehicle dam-
age, or other accident.
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General information/Charging
1-9
1 Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts
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Mitsubishi Motors Genuine Parts are designed and manufac-
tured to meet high standards of performance, and are recom-
mended for all of your maintenance needs. Also available from
a certified i-MiEV dealer are a wide variety of accessories to
personalize your new vehicle. Each Mitsubishi vehicle has a
selection of Mitsubishi Motors authorized accessories to
choose from to tailor your new vehicle to your own personal
preference. A certified i-MiEV dealer’s Parts Manager has
information on various audio systems, protection items, as well
as interior and exterior accessories available for your specific
model.
California Perchlorate Materials Require-
ments
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Certain components of this vehicle, such as airbag modules,
seat belt pretensioners, and button cell batteries, may contain
perchlorate materials.
Special handling may apply. For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
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