2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Is Coming to North America
Credit: The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)
By TORI TELLEM
Phil McCarten/Reuters
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
Introduced on Thursday: 2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
What is it? The all-electric Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle has been available in Japan since last year and will arrive in Europe soon. The American-market model will be slightly bigger than those.
What makes it tick? It has a 16-kW (63 horsepower) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack that will take you up to 100 miles in mostly city driving, the company says. There’s also a three-way charging system, allowing for 110- or 220-volt power sources, as well as a quick-charger system. Mitsubishi has partnered with Best Buy for sales and home installation of recharging units, and with Eaton for recharging units with the hope of combating charging-station and range anxieties.
How much, how soon? The little four-seater will cost around $30,000. If you don’t think that’s too hefty a price for a car best suited for errands around town, know that dealerships in the western United States will receive the car this time next year, followed by the northeastern states in March 2012. It goes nationwide at the end of 2012.
How’s it look? Green cars are the bedbugs of the Los Angeles show — they’re all over. We’ll see if this one won’t be squashed by the competition.
Credit: The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)
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