Mitsubishi all-electric i-MiEV

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Mitsubishi has promised to bring its Japanese electric vehicle, the i-MiEV, to the world market (including the U.S.) by the year 2010. The all-electric i-MiEV has a top speed of about 80 mph and can travel a maximum 100 miles on an all-night charge of its batteries. The tiny car accommodates two adults comfortably with a very small amount of room in the backseat that is suitable for a small dog or maybe a toddler and a purse. The number of seats (four) should in no way be confused with the number of passengers the car can actually carry (two).

On the plus side, the i-MiEV has no emissions at all, and charges completely using any standard electrical outlet in only 20 minutes. No announcement has been made yet by Mitsubishi in regard to the possible U.S. price of the i-MiEV, but many industry analysts are expecting the MSRP to be in the $25,000 range. If you’re looking to buy an electric car, waiting until at least 2010 will likely give you more options than are currently available. No one knows which new car will “take off,” but it’s a certainty that everyone will be watching.