Mitsubishi i-MiEV First Electric Car Across Canada

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/09/11 - Updated: 2026/02/07
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Offbeat News - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This report documents the historic August-September 2010 coast-to-coast electric vehicle journey across Canada, undertaken by the Mitsubishi i-MiEV production model. The information is authoritative because it comes directly from Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc., the official manufacturer source. The 7,500 km trip from Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia demonstrated the practical viability of zero-emission electric vehicles for real-world long-distance travel. This achievement matters for people with disabilities and seniors because it validated electric vehicle reliability and accessibility features, including the i-MiEV's 120 km range per charge, three-way charging system compatibility, and compact urban-friendly design. The vehicle's successful performance across varied terrain and climate conditions proved that electric mobility solutions could serve as dependable transportation options for all Canadians, including those requiring accessible, low-emission vehicles for daily use - Disabled World (DW).

Definition: Mitsubishi i-MiEV: The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a compact electric hatchback that Mitsubishi launched in 2009, making it one of the first modern mass-produced electric vehicles available to consumers worldwide. Built on the platform of Mitsubishi's kei car, the i, this city-oriented EV features a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (later upgraded to 16.5 kWh) that powers a rear-mounted electric motor producing 47 kW. With a driving range of roughly 62 miles under EPA testing - though real-world conditions often yielded less - the i-MiEV was primarily suited for urban commuting rather than long-distance travel. The car's tall, boxy design maximized interior space despite its small footprint, seating four adults in a surprisingly roomy cabin. Mitsubishi sold the i-MiEV in various markets under different badges, including as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero in Europe through a partnership agreement. While the vehicle never achieved strong sales figures and was discontinued in most markets by 2016, it played an important role in demonstrating the viability of electric vehicles for everyday use and paved the way for more sophisticated EVs that followed.

Introduction

First Production Electric Vehicle Drives Cross Canada - Mitsubishi i-MiEV

For the first time in history a production electric vehicle drove across Canada. Mitsubishi Canada launched a cross Canada drive of the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle), zero emission electric car on Tuesday, August 17, 2010.

Main Content

Mitsubishi-Clean Across Canada Tour

On August 17, 2010, the production Mitsubishi i-MiEV all electric car left Cape Spear National Historic Site in St John's, Newfoundland. Today, it arrived in Victoria and touched the Pacific Ocean after a 7,500 km journey.

"During the journey from Cape Spear to Victoria the Mitsubishi Clean Across Canada Tour demonstrated to Canadians that the innovative i-MiEV zero emission car travels far and charges fast; it is the car of tomorrow...today," said Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada. "We are pleased with the vehicle's performance as it crossed Canada and look forward to bringing the i-MiEV zero emission car to Canadians next year who want to drive clean without compromise."

The i-MiEV has been on sale in Japan for over a year and launches this year in Australia, Hong Kong and Europe and with a range of up to 120 km it has proven to be the perfect urban car for consumers.

The i-MiEV features four important innovations that enhance the vehicle's capability: optimum packaging of occupants and EV systems, high capacity lithium-ion batteries, small efficient electric motor and the three-way charging system. All these innovative features worked in harmony resulting in a flawless drive across the country.

The Clean Across Canada Tour officially concludes with a finish line crossing at the EV 2010 Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver on Monday September 13. The i-MiEV will be on display at the show until September 16.

The tour is supported by a team of dedicated corporate sponsors and partners assisting Mitsubishi and showcasing their commitments. Sponsors and partners include Eaton Canada, Yokohoma Tire, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bullfrog Power and Clarion and Hydro Quebec, Ontario Power Generation, ENMAX and BC Hydro - provincial sponsors.

i-MiEV Facts

Max. Speed: 130 km/h (81 mph)
Drive System: Rear wheel drive
Curb Weight: 1,080 kg (2,376 lbs.)
Cruising Distance at Full Charge: Approx. 120 km (75 miles)
Performance: (0-80k/h)1.5 sec faster than similar HP Gas Engine
Battery: Total Energy 16 kWh, Total Voltage 330 V, Type Lithium-ion
Overall Length x Width x height: 3,395 x 1,475 x 1,600 mm (134" X 58" X 63")
Charging: 110V (14 Hours), 220V (7 Hours) or Quick Charge (80% charge in 30 mins)
Motor: Max. Torque 180 Nm (133 ft-lbs) - Max. Output 47 kW (63 hp) - Permanent magnet synchronous

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The Mitsubishi i-MiEV's successful trans-Canada journey marked a turning point in electric vehicle adoption, proving that zero-emission transportation could handle the demanding conditions of North American geography. While the 120 km range might seem modest by today's standards, the 2010 achievement demonstrated that infrastructure challenges could be overcome through strategic planning and partnerships with provincial power utilities. The collaboration between Mitsubishi and sponsors like Hydro Quebec, Ontario Power Generation, ENMAX, and BC Hydro established a blueprint for future electric vehicle corridor development. For individuals with mobility considerations, this milestone signaled that electric vehicles could offer the same independence and reliability as conventional automobiles, while providing additional benefits like lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact - factors particularly relevant for seniors and people with disabilities managing transportation budgets and seeking vehicles with smooth, quiet operation and minimal maintenance requirements - Disabled World (DW).

Ian C. Langtree Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.