The Mitsubishi i-MiEV was one of the earliest mass-produced electric cars offered by Mitsubishi Motors in global markets. Based on the tiny Japanese kei car Mitsubishi i, the EV version kept its unusual tall and narrow proportions, giving it a distinctly upright stance that looked almost top-heavy compared to conventional hatchbacks. The compact footprint made it well suited for crowded city streets, but the narrow body and short wheelbase made the design stand out in a market still dominated by traditional gasoline cars.

As an early electric vehicle experiment, the i-MiEV focused primarily on efficiency and urban practicality rather than speed or long range. Its small battery pack and modest electric motor meant limited range and relatively slow acceleration, even by early EV standards. Despite those limitations, the car represented an important step in the transition toward electric mobility, arriving around the same time as pioneering EVs like the Nissan Leaf. While it never became a mainstream success, the i-MiEV remains a notable example of the automotive industry’s early attempts to bring fully electric cars to everyday drivers.