2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest news for 2012 is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s U.S. debut. This first U.S. model year brings a four-seat battery-electric hatchback in ES and SE trims, both with the same motor, battery, and charging hardware.
About the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
North American-spec i-MiEV, first U.S. model year and U.S. launch year.
Mitsubishi positions the i-MiEV as a very small electric hatchback for city driving, short commutes, and daily errands. The focus is on easy parking, simple charging at home, low running costs, and surprisingly usable space for four adults despite the tiny footprint. Compared with other early EVs, Mitsubishi leans on the car’s compact size, nimble feel, and straightforward controls rather than long-distance range or upscale luxury features.
The ES is the straightforward, city-focused version, with remote charging and cabin pre-conditioning, a heated driver’s seat, and split-folding rear seats. The SE keeps the same electric powertrain but has a more finished cabin, an eight-speaker audio system, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and automatic headlights.
What changed, by category
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 66 hp | 66 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 50 cu-ft | 50 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30 in | 30 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 62 | 62 |
| MPGe Combined | 112 | 112 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Headlights | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2012 the Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s first U.S. model year?
Yes. The 2012 i-MiEV was the model’s U.S. debut, not an update to an earlier U.S.-market version.
Did the 2012 i-MiEV ES and SE use different powertrains?
No. Both 2012 trims use the same 49-kW rear electric motor and 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. The SE mainly differs through upgraded cabin, audio, lighting, and appearance features.
What charging options does the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV support?
The 2012 i-MiEV supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging. It also has a portable 120-volt charging cable and a remote that schedules charging and cabin heating or cooling.
What is the difference between the 2012 i-MiEV ES and SE?
The SE is the more polished 2012 i-MiEV trim. It keeps the ES model’s electric hardware but adds features such as an eight-speaker audio system, upgraded cabin materials, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and automatic headlights.
What safety equipment does the 2012 i-MiEV have?
The 2012 i-MiEV has six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a pedestrian alert sound system across the lineup.