Mitsubishi Motors has developed a reputation for developing sport inspired vehicles that outperform more expensive sports cars yet are reasonably affordable (See the Lancer Evolution). When it comes to electric vehicles, Mitsubishi has not been generally considered part of that world. However, this has recently changed as Mitsubishi ls now taking reservations for the all electric Mitsubishi i.
The Mitsubishi i is taking the electric vehicles market by storm. The car starts at an affordable $29,125, but if you take into account the tax credit that is available that price drops to a very affordable $21,625 for the standard ES model and $23,625 for the SE model.
The driving range of the Mitsubishi i is a respectable EPA certified “real world” rating of 62 miles/charge. The Mitsubishi i can be charged using three different types of chargers: 1) Through the conventional 120V/8A level 1 portable charging cable that plugs into a standard wall outlet (estimated charge time from very low battery to full charge – 22.5 hours); 2) a 240V/15A Level 2 EVSE Eaton charging system (estimated charge time from completely empty to fully charged – 7 hours); and 3) a CHAdeMO Level 3 public quick charging station (estimated charge time from very low battery to 80% full – 30 minutes; requires optional DC charging port).
The Mitsubishi i is powered by Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) technology featuring a 49kW AC synchronous electric motor, an 88 cell 330V lithium-ion battery pack for a peak storage of 16kWh. The electric motor is capable of producing an almost instantaneous peak torque of 145 lb. ft. The Mitsubishi i has a top speed of approximately 80 mph.
The car seats four adult size passengers comfortably and contains a small cargo area that is more than enough for your groceries or a trip to the mall. With the 50/50 rear seats folded flat, the Mitsubishi i is capable of hauling more stuff allowing you to take those weekend trips to Costco, Target, or Home Depot.
The Mitsubishi i is currently available in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. The car will be rolled out to Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.
Giveaway
As part of the release of the Mitsubishi i, you now have the chance to enter to win a prize consisting of a $100 Whole Foods Gift Card, two Flip & Tumble Reusable Bags and a Pure Balance Water Bottle. Please email me to enter. You must be over 18 years old and live in the United States. You must enter by 11:59 PM PST on Friday, March 16, 2012. One winner will be chosen. No purchase is necessary.
All prizes courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors.
Walter Wang is Managing Editor of CleanTechies. Follow Walter on twitter: @energytaxprof.
