Mitsubishi announced pricing for its upcoming electric vehicle at the 2011 New York Auto Show.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i is powered by a 63-horsepower electric motor mated to a single-speed transmission that behaves much like an automatic. It uses a lithium-ion battery pack that provides about 80-100 miles of range. According to the company, it can be charged from a conventional 110-volt outlet in 14 hours. A 220-volt charger installed in a customer’s garage through the Best Buy retail chain will reportedly charge the vehicle in seven to eight hours. A special quick charger can give the battery an 80-percent charge in 30 minutes. Like most hybrid and electric vehicles, the i uses a regenerative braking system to help charge the battery while the vehicle is coasting and stopping. The i’s top speed is 81 mph.
The i is actually an adaptation of an electric vehicle sold in Japan. Several modifications have been performed to bring the vehicle in line with U.S. tastes and regulations. The U.S.-spec i has been widened for more interior space, and it has more safety features, longer bumpers, and upgraded interior materials. Safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags.
The i will come in three trim levels: ES, SE, and SE Premium. Base-level ES models include an electric power steering system, LED taillights, heated driver seat, air conditioning, and keyless entry. SE models will have an upgraded sound system, 15-inch wheels, and fog lights. The range-topping SE Premium model tacks on a DC quick-charge port, navigation system, and rearview camera.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i will cost $27,990 when it goes on sale in January 2012 in the states of California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. The price does not include a $7,500 Federal incentive. The i is slated for nationwide availability at the end of 2012.
CG Says:
It looks like Mitsubishi will be the second major automaker to sell a 100-percent electric vehicle in the U.S. market. Though manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon to make electric vehicles (Nissan is already selling the Leaf EV), many Americans report they aren’t ready to buy one yet. It’ll be an uphill battle to convert most drivers to electric vehicles, but high gas prices may help sway those who are on the fence.
Consumer Guide recently sampled a Japanese-spec Mitsubishi i-MiEV during a several-day test near our headquarters in suburban Chicago. We were largely impressed. Potential customers often shy away from purchasing an EV because of the limited distance those vehicles can travel before their batteries run out of juice. Mitsubishi, Nissan, and others are researching the viability of a large network of electric-vehicle quick-charge stations (much like gas stations) to alleviate this worry. A project this large is still years off. There aren’t many EVs on the roads just yet, but stay tuned. If public interest is strong, we may share the road with emissions-free vehicles sooner than we think.
For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:
- 2011 New York Auto Show Home Page
- 2011 Auto Shows: We've got all the news and pictures from the year's biggest auto shows.
- 2011 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners: Check out which cars and trucks made the cut this year.
- Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with analysis, pictures, and prices of vehicles that will be on sale next year and beyond.
