The Mitsubishi i — MiEV is a permanent — magnet synchronous electric motor system with a rated output of 47 kW (64 PS) and peak output of 66 kW (90 PS), delivering 196 Nm of torque from 0 rpm. It drives the rear wheels via a single — speed reduction gear and is powered by a 16.0 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack (later 10.5 kWh in some markets). Engineered for urban zero‑emission mobility, the system provides instant torque, silent operation, and a WLTP range of 130–160 km depending on ba…
All production years 2009–2021 meet EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval as zero-emission vehicles (EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC;.
The Mitsubishi MIEV is a rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor system engineered for compact urban EVs (2009–2021). It combines a single-speed reduction gearbox with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery to deliver instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions. Designed to meet EU zero-emission vehicle standards, it prioritizes efficiency and drivetrain simplicity over high performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Motor type | Permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor | |
Continuous power | 47 kW (64 PS) | |
Peak power | 66 kW (90 PS) for 30 sec | |
Torque | 196 Nm (0–2,000 rpm) | |
Battery capacity | 16.0 kWh (2009–2012); 10.5 kWh (2013–2021, select markets) | |
Battery chemistry | Lithium‑ion (Manganese spinel) | |
Drive layout | Rear-wheel drive | |
Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear (ratio 6.011:1) | |
Cooling system | Liquid-cooled motor and battery | |
Charging | AC: 3.3 kW (Type 2); DC: 15 kW (CHAdeMO) | |
Range (WLTP) | 130–160 km | |
Top speed | 130 km/h | |
Weight (powertrain) | 135 kg (motor + inverter) | |
Inverter | IGBT-based, liquid-cooled | |
Regenerative braking | 3-level regen with B-mode |
The Mitsubishi MIEV powertrain was used exclusively in the i-MiEV (A142) platform with rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout and co-developed with PSA Group for European markets. This system received minor regional adaptations—reduced battery capacity in later EU models for cost optimisation—and from 2014 the BMS software upgrade created firmware interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared use in the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero with identical mechanical and electrical architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The MIEV's primary reliability risk is lithium-ion battery capacity degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in hot climates or high-DC-charge usage. Mitsubishi internal data from 2015 indicated a notable share of pre‑2013 packs retaining <70% capacity before 80,000 km, while EU RAR data links a measurable portion of range complaints to cell imbalance and BMS faults. Frequent DC fast charging and sustained high temperatures increase degradation, making charging discipline and thermal management critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2014–2019) and EU RAR failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The MIEV powertrain is mechanically simple with no engine or transmission to maintain. Early models (2009–2012) had battery degradation issues in hot climates, but post-2014 revisions improved cell chemistry and BMS logic. With conservative charging habits and thermal management, many examples exceed 150,000 km with acceptable range retention.
Top issues include battery capacity fade (especially pre-2013), inverter coolant pump failure, DC-DC converter faults, and regenerative braking calibration drift. These are documented in Mitsubishi service bulletins SB‑14‑0028 and TIS updates.
The MIEV system was used exclusively in the i-MiEV (2009–2021). It was also badge-engineered as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero (2010–2020) under a PSA partnership. All variants are zero-emission vehicles certified under EU and UK type approval.
Limited tuning is possible. Software remaps can unlock the full 66 kW peak output more frequently, but hardware limits (inverter, motor windings) prevent significant gains. Battery upgrades (e.g., 20+ kWh retrofits) exist but void type approval and require extensive rewiring.
In a 16.0 kWh i-MiEV, expect 100–130 km in mixed urban driving, or about 62–80 miles. Cold weather (<5°C) can reduce range by 25–30%. The 10.5 kWh variants deliver 70–90 km (43–56 miles) under similar conditions.
Not applicable. The MIEV is an electric powertrain with no internal combustion engine, valves, or timing system. There is no risk of piston-to-valve contact.
Minimal mechanical maintenance: cabin air filter, tyre rotation, and brake fluid every 2 years. The inverter and battery coolant should be inspected every 40,000 km and replaced every 80,000 km per Mitsubishi TIS. No oil changes or exhaust servicing is needed.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.