New-Generation EV i-MiEV Proves Excellent Safety Through Euro NCAP

SYDNEY – February 28, 2011: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) recently announced that Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), an overall safety rating system for new models launched in Europe, revealed their results for safety tests of the next generation electric vehicle i-MiEV (European-spec).

It was Euro NCAP's first time conducting a crash-test on a mass produced EV. The test proved that the high-capacity drive battery was undamaged, and the complete shutdown of high voltage electricity system to protect the passengers and the rescuers was perfectly confirmed in case of an impact. Overall rating resulted in 4-star in 2011 standards, equating to the safety level of a same sized gasoline-based car.

i-MiEV incorporates its base model "i" minicar's rear-midship layout that achieves both comfort in the passenger area and crash safety. It also utilises MMC's own innovation, an impact resistant body "RISE" (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) system, tactically placing the drive battery safely within the body frame. The body frame is fortified with the well-crib frame method that protects from impact in every direction.

Furthermore, the vehicle is secured by MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System), an advanced integrated vehicle management system that will instantly shut down all high voltage electric system as soon as an impact occurs. i-MiEV is supported by these innovative safety measures, only befitted to a new-generation electric vehicle.

i-MiEV has also attained similar results through German ADAC1 testing, as well as Australia's ANCAP2, repeatedly proving its excellent safety performance each time.