Low CO2 vehicles from Mitsubishi - easy on the environment and your pocket
Mitsubishi Motors is committed to developing environmentally friendly vehicles
and being among the first to bring them to market.
Here, you can find out about the models we have available today that demonstrate that commitment,
combining ingenious design and high-efficiency technology to bring savings to the
environment and reduce running costs.
Right Van Man - help the environment and save money
We are developing the use of plant based resins to manufacture components such as car mats and plastic body parts.
Factory awarded ISO14001 - international environmental accreditation in 1995. Achieved by reducing pollution, water and energy consumption and visual and audible disturbances.
Water treatment has reduced heavy metals in waste water by 76%. Drinking water waste reduced by 44%.
Solvent free paints are used reducing CO2 emissions by 61% per vehicle. Efficient technologies are being used in our vehicles to reduce CO2.
* The i MiEV vehicle itself produces no C02 and uses no petrol or diesel. Total C02 emissions and fuel use will depend on how the electricity used to charge the vehicle is generated.
We accept that electric vehicle technology,
although fully production-ready,
is currently only available on a small number of vehicles (like the i MiEV).
It is vital, therefore,
that Mitsubishi does what it can whilst electric vehicle technology
gains acceptance to maximize the efficiency of internal combustion
engines and minimize their impact on the environment.
Mitsubishi's ClearTec technology is an example of this,
and how a number of small improvements to a vehicle's design can
have a substantial impact on its fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
One such improvement is Automatic Stop & Go,
standard on Colt ClearTec models.
This system automatically stops the engine when you come to a stop in traffic,
select neutral and apply the handbrake.
The engine then automatically re-starts as soon as you depress the
clutch pedal to select first gear again.
Engine Modifications
- Ignition timing change (0.3%)
- Compression ratio increase (0.5%)
- Low tensile strength piston ring (0.5%)
- Low viscosity engine oil
- High-efficiency alternator
- Electricity generation control alternator adaptation
- Automatic Stop & Go
Transmission Modifications
- Improved differential final gear ratio
Chassis Modifications
- Low rolling resistance tyres (28% reduction)
- Tyre inflation pressure increase
Four main innovations have allowed the development of viable electric vehicles:
-
Packaging
In designing the i MiEV, Mitsubishi's designers have freed themselves from the conventional constraints of how a car should be laid out. In a conventional car, drive train components have to be linked with drive shafts, gears and differentials. In an electric car, the battery pack, inverter and charging module are linked to the motor through simple wiring, so they can be positioned to optimise interior space and handling characteristics.
-
High-capacity lithium ion batteries
Lithium ion batteries have a much higher energy density than conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries, and we have already felt the benefit of this with feature-packed portable electronic devices that last for days on end without a re-charge. In the Mitsubishi i MiEV, the lithium ion batteries are configured in modules. One module consists of 4 cells, and 22 modules make one battery pack, giving a driving range of 99 miles.
-
Small, high-efficiency electric motor
A latest-generation permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is both much more efficient and more compact than any comparable petrol or diesel engine. Additionally, the electric motor provides maximum torque at zero revs, giving instantaneous pull right from a standstill, and is quieter and smoother than any combustion engine.
-
Two-way battery charging system
The new flexible charging system in the Mitsubishi i MiEV allows you to charge the vehicle's battery pack either from a conventional household outlet or from a special Quick Charger, which uses a 3-phase 50kw supply. Using a household outlet, a full charge takes approximately 7 hours, and an 80% charge can be achieved with the Quick Charger in a remarkable 30 minutes.
Whatever car you're driving, you can reduce your impact on the environment and your bill at the fuel pumps by observing the following green driving tips:
Change gear between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm.
If you have an automatic gearbox, try to avoid using the sports mode and kickdown function.
Let your car roll.
When you see traffic lights ahead that have already turned to red, lift your foot off the accelerator and let the car coast towards it.
Drive at a steady speed in the highest possible gear.
50 mph in 5th gear or 30 mph in 4th gear will lead to lower fuel consumption and will not damage your car.
Check your tyre pressures regularly.
Under-inflated tyres have a higher rolling resistance. A generally accepted estimate is that 20 percent under-inflation results in a 3 percent increase in fuel consumption.
Turn off the engine when you don't need it.
If you're stuck in traffic for more than a minute or so, switching off can save you up to 0.5 litres of fuel every hour. Colt ClearTec models feature Automatic Stop & Go, which does this for you.
Change oil and filters according to the service manual.
Only use the air conditioning when needed.
Studies have shown that using the air conditioning causes an increase in fuel consumption of between 2 and 10 percent.
Use in-car instruments to save fuel.
On-board computers and cruise control can help you change gears at the right moment and help you maintain a steady speed. The Colt ClearTec also has a Gearshift Indicator, which tells you exactly the most efficient time to change gear.
More than 50 percent of the energy required to move a car is spent overcoming aerodynamic drag.
The faster you drive, the more drag increases and fuel economy decreases. Increasing your cruising speed from 60 mph to 70 mph will drive fuel consumption up by about 20 percent. Reducing your speed from 60 mph to 50 mph improved fuel economy by about 10 percent. Try to anticipate changes in traffic flow so that you can ease into stops and starts. Driving at a steady pace saves fuel.
Remove roof racks and cycle carriers when they aren't being used.
These increase drag dramatically. All Mitsubishi roof accessories are easily removable for this purpose.