charging MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G User Guide

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
N01200400016
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
N01205900016
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
N01200500017
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
N01200600018

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
N01200700019
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
N01200800010
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
N01200900011
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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1-10 General information/Charging
1Cautions and actions to deal with intense heat
N01201000019

When the vehicle is driven in a high ambient temperature, its air-conditioner performance can be insufficient. Also, using the
air conditioner will reduce the vehicle’s cruising range.

When the ambient temperature is approximately 104 °F (40 °C) or higher, the phenomena described below may occur. Please
take the described actions.

Even if the ambient temperature is approximately 104 °F (40 °C) or lower, the phenomena described below may occur. Please
take the described actions.Approx. ambi-
ent temperature
Phenomena
Corrective action
Approx. 104 °F
(40 °C) or higherStartup and driving •
•During quick charging (if so equipped), repeated high-
speed driving, or repeated uphill driving, the power down
warning light* comes on and the motor output is restricted
to protect the main drive lithium-ion battery or motor
(electric motor unit).
Regenerative braking performance may decrease. When
braking, depress the brake pedal more strongly.• Stop the vehicle in a safe
place for a while, avoid quick
charging (if so equipped), and
wait for the power down
warning light* to go off.
Charging and bat-
tery• During quick charging (if so equipped), charging times get
longer.
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General information/Charging
1-11
1
NOTE
*: Refer to “Power down warning light” on page 3-75. Illumination of the power down warning light does not indicate a mal-
function.Approx.113 °F
(45 °C) or higherStartup and driving •
•During quick charging (if so equipped), repeated high-
speed driving, or repeated uphill driving, the power down
warning light* comes on and the motor output is restricted
to protect the main drive lithium-ion battery and/or motor
(electric motor unit).
Regenerative braking performance may decrease. When
braking, depress the brake pedal more strongly.• Stop the vehicle in a safe
place for a while, avoid quick
charging (if so equipped), and
wait for the power down
warning light* to go off.
• If you continue driving after the power down warning
light* comes on, the vehicle may stop after you have
driven a few miles/kilometres.
Charging and bat-
tery•
•The EV charging cable (regular charging cable) cannot be
used.
During quick charging (if so equipped), charging times get
longer.• Park in a safe, well-ventilated
and shady place.
• The main drive lithium-ion battery capacity is decreased
more quickly, and the cruising range is decreased.Approx. 140 °F
(60 °C) or higherStartup and driving • The power down warning light* comes on, and the vehicle
may stop.• Park in a safe, well-ventilated
and shady place, avoid quick
charging (if so equipped), and
wait for the power down
warning light* to go off.
Charging and bat-
tery•
•The EV charging cable (regular charging cable) cannot be
used.
Quick charging (if so equipped) may become impossible.• Park in a safe, well-ventilated
and shady place.Approx. ambi-
ent temperature
Phenomena
Corrective action
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1-12 General information/Charging
1Cautions and actions to deal with intense cold
N01201100010

When the vehicle is driven in a low ambient temperatures, its heater performance can be insufficient. Also, using the heater
can reduce the vehicle’s cruising range.

When the ambient temperature is approximately 5 °F (-15 °C) or lower, the phenomena described below may occur. Please
take the corrective actions described below.Approx. ambi-
ent tempera-
ture
Phenomena
Corrective action
Approx.5 °F (-
15 °C) or lowerStartup and
driving• Motor output is restricted, and the power down warning
light*
1 may come on.
perature is 5 °F (-15 °C) or lower and the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery’s remaining power is 50 %, the driving
performance may decrease by approximately 30 %>• Keep driving if you can drive at a
safe speed.
If you cannot drive at a safe speed,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
charge the main drive lithium-ion
battery.
• Regenerative braking performance may decrease. • When braking, depress the brake
pedal more strongly.
Charging and
battery•
•Charging times get longer.
Complete charging may not be possible.• When you have finished driving,
charge the main drive lithium-ion
battery before battery temperature
falls.
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General information/Charging
1-13
1
Approx.-13 °F
(-25 °C) or
lowerStartup and
driving• Motor output is restricted, and the power down warning
light*
1 may come on.
perature is -13 °F (-25 °C) or lower and the main drive
lithium-ion battery’s remaining power is 50 %, the driving
performance may decrease by approximately 50 %>• Keep driving if you can drive at the
same speed as surrounding vehicles.
If you cannot drive the same speed
as surrounding vehicles, stop the
vehicle in a safe place and charge
the main drive lithium-ion battery.
• Regenerative braking performance may decrease. • When braking, depress the brake
pedal more strongly.
Charging and
battery• Charging may become impossible. • When you have finished driving,
charge the main drive lithium-ion
battery before battery temperature
falls.
Approx. -22 °F
(-30 °C) or
lowerStartup and
driving•
•The ready indicator*
2 does not come on, and startup may
not be possible.
In the worst-case scenario, the vehicle may become
undrivable (with the energy level gauge and cruising
range indications still shown).• In the daytime, wait for the tempera-
ture to rise. When the temperature in
the vicinity of the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery has risen, begin
charging.
• Regenerative braking performance may decrease. • When braking, depress the brake
pedal more strongly
Charging and
battery• Charging may become impossible • In the daytime, wait for the tempera-
ture to rise. When the temperature in
the vicinity of the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery has risen, begin
charging.
Approx. ambi-
ent tempera-
ture
Phenomena
Corrective action
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1-14 General information/Charging
1
NOTE
*
1: Refer to “Power down warning light” on page 3-75. Illumination of the power down warning light does not indicate a mal-
function.

*2: Refer to “Ready indicator” on page 3-72.
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