How does it compare?
The Mitsubishi i MiEV stands firmly in the battleground of the entry-level electric vehicle market against contenders like the Chevrolet Spark EV, Fiat 500e, Smart EQ ForTwo, and Nissan Leaf S. Each vehicle brings its unique quirks and features, but how do they measure up in terms of range, acceleration, power, charging time, and price?
Range
When it comes to range, the Mitsubishi i MiEV trails with a modest 85 km (53 miles). The Chevrolet Spark EV excels here with a range of 132 km (82 miles), while the Fiat 500e enjoys 135 km (84 miles). The Nissan Leaf S, though a bit pricier, boasts a solid 149 km (93 miles). The Smart EQ ForTwo nestles in with 93 km (58 miles), an upgrade but not extraordinary in this electric skirmish.
Acceleration
Speed demons might want to look away; the Mitsubishi i MiEV leisurely clocks 0 to 100 km/h in 15.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Spark EV catapults from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds, a testament to its power. The Fiat 500e takes 8.7 seconds, and the Nissan Leaf S makes a respectable showing at 10 seconds flat. As for the Smart EQ ForTwo, it saunters from 0 to 100 km/h in about 11.4 seconds.
Power
Under the hood, the Mitsubishi i MiEV offers a humble 63 horsepower. Comparatively, the Chevrolet Spark EV has a beastly 140 hp. The Fiat 500e holds its own with 111 hp, and the Nissan Leaf S delivers a solid 147 hp. The funky little Smart EQ ForTwo pulls up with just 81 hp, but given its featherweight stature, it doesn’t entirely disappoint.
Charging Time
Charging convenience is another battlefield. The Mitsubishi i MiEV takes around 7 hours on a standard 220V outlet. The Chevrolet Spark EV, with its quick charging capability, can power up to 80% in just 20 minutes. The Fiat 500e can go from 0-80% in about 4 hours. The Nissan Leaf S offers rapid charging to 80% in 30 minutes. The Smart EQ ForTwo takes an uneventful 2.5 hours for a full charge on a Level 2 charger.
Price
Financially speaking, the Mitsubishi i MiEV sits at approximately $25,600 (USD), £19,800 (GBP), or €22,100 (EUR). The Chevrolet Spark EV costs about $25,995 (USD), £20,100 (GBP), or €22,500 (EUR). For the fashionable Fiat 500e, be prepared to part with around $32,300 (USD), £25,000 (GBP), or €28,000 (EUR). The more capable Nissan Leaf S climbs to roughly $29,990 (USD), £23,200 (GBP), or €26,000 (EUR). Finally, the tiny titan Smart EQ ForTwo sets you back by $24,650 (USD), £18,900 (GBP), or €21,700 (EUR).
Engaged in this electrified skirmish, the Mitsubishi i MiEV has its place, especially for those craving practicality over pizzazz. Nevertheless, in terms of range, acceleration, and power, competitors flaunt their superiority while keeping an eye on affordability and swift charging prowess. Is it a tale of the tortoise and the hares? Only time will tell.


