Operation Manual

1-2
General information/Charging
1
Familiarizing yourself with i-MiEV
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i-MiEV is a pure electric vehicle. Some of the vehicle systems
operate differently from and have different characteristics than
ordinary vehicles equipped with an internal combustion
engine. For this reason, it is very important to read carefully
this entire owner’s manual.
Main features
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● i-MiEV is powered only by electricity. This vehicle does
not emit exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitro-
gen oxide.
● The i-MiEV uses electricity stored in the lithium ion bat-
tery. The lithium-ion battery is called the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery. This vehicle does not have an internal
combustion engine and does not require gasoline or diesel
fuel.
● The main drive lithium-ion battery must be charged with
electricity to drive the vehicle. As the vehicle operates, the
main drive lithium-ion battery gradually discharges. If the
main drive lithium-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged, the vehicle will not operate until it is re-charged.
The charging process can take up to 23 hours as described
more precisely in this manual.
● This vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is 12V
starter battery that is the same type of the battery used in
ordinary vehicles. It is called the 12V starter battery. The
other battery which propels the vehicle is called the main
drive lithium-ion battery.
● The 12V starter battery provides power to the vehicle sys-
tems and features such as the audio system, supplemental
restraint systems, headlights and windshield wiper.
● The main drive lithium-ion battery provides power to the
electric motor that propels the vehicle and charges the
12V starter battery.
● Through a process called regenerative braking, the main
drive lithium-ion battery is automatically charged, while
the vehicle is decelerating or being driven downhill.
N
OTE
● If the 12V starter battery is discharge, the electric motor
unit cannot be started. And also the main drive lithium-ion
battery cannot be charged.
WARNING
!
● Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is
no engine noise, pedestrians may not know the vehi-
cle is approaching and may step into the path of
vehicle travel. Refer to “Approaching vehicle audi-
ble system (AVAS)” on page 3-38.
● When leaving the vehicle, always turn off the elec-
tric motor switch. Refer to “Electric motor switch”
on page 3-30.
● When parking, to avoid unintended vehicle move-
ment, always move the selector lever to “P” (PARK)
position and apply the parking brake because the
vehicle can move when the ready indicator light is
ON. When the ready indicator light is ON, do not
leave the selector lever in a position other than the
“P” (PARK) position. For the ready indicator, refer
to “Indicator and warning light package” on page 3-
71.
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