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Mitsubishi i Plug-in Electric
Today, Mitsubushi has already sold more than 4,000 electric cars in Japan. In fact, Mitsubishi has been developing electric cars since 1971.
Consequently, Mitsubishi is neither new to electric cars nor is the i electric car, powered by MiEV, a new car. The i electric car is a tried and tested electric car.
According to Mitsubish, the i plug-in electric will be the most affordable plug-in electric car available in the US when it launches in early 2012. After the federal tax credit, for instance, the i MiEV electric car could price as low as $20,490 - cheaper than today's top selling hybrid.
While engineered to be ecofriendly and extremely lightweight, Mitsubishi insists the i can still be quite fun to drive via its three driving modes: maximum fun, maximum economy, and maximum regenerative braking. Thus, if you're only driving a short distance, extra power is available. Conversely, if more range is needed, then greater efficiency can help.
But what about charging?
With a standard 120 V outlet, it takes 22.5 hours to recharge the i's battery - capable of about 85 miles of electric range. However a 240 quick charger can reduce charge time to just 6 hours (and it qualifies for a $1000 federal tax credit). Finally, the i electric car can also use a public quick charge to charge up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.
So, why go i?
After the federal tax credit, the i MiEV electric car is cheaper than Toyota Prius, and cheaper to operate. For instance, after 85 miles it costs about $2.40 to fuel the i, whereas a 50 mpg vehicle would cost $6.80 to run at $4.00 per gallon.
Moreover, the i MiEV doesn't need things like oil or oil filters, spark plugs, exhaust systems, smog controls, a transmission, muffler or fan belt, for instance, so maintanence costs are also cheaper.
What about the battery?
The battery was developed in-house by Mitsubishi and is backed by an 8-year, 100,000 mile limited warranty.
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Key Mitsubish Plug-in Facts
Should be available by 2012
Roughly 62 miles of range
126/99 mpge city/hwy
$27,990 (but qualifies for $7500 tax credit) |
