The main reason for which Mitsubishi will drop the Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant models from its U.S. range is to focus on developing zero-emissions vehicles like the Mitsubishi i (also known as the i-MiEV in Europe). The Japanese carmaker announced at the New York Auto Show that the plug-in EV will arrive in U.S. showrooms in November 2011, with prices starting from $20,490 (€14,100) for the standard ES model and $22,490 for the better-equipped ES version, government subsidies included.
Benefiting from up to $7,500 (€5,160) in federal tax credit, the Mitsubishi i is the most affordable 100% electric-powered mass-market production vehicle available in North America. At $20,490, the i is almost $5,000 cheaper than the Nissan Leaf ($25,280), although the latter is a compact model, while the Mitsubishi i is a sub-compact.
Powered by Mitsubishi's MiEV technology, the rear-wheel drive i features a 66 horsepower synchronous electric motor, a 330V lithium-ion battery pack that can store up to 16 kWh and a single fixed reduction gear transmission. The electric motor produces a peak torque of 145 lb-ft (196 Nm) and allows for a top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h).
The car has a driving range of 85 miles (137 km) on a complete charge. Full charging takes 6 hours on a 240V/15A Level 2 home EVSE Eaton charging system and 22.5 hours on a conventional outlet. However, the batteries can be charged up to 80 percent of their capacity in 30 minutes at a public quick-charging station. The batteries have an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.
Standard equipment includes an electric air condition system and cabin heater, power windows and mirrors, 4-speaker 100-watt audio system and the MiEV remote system that allows the battery to be charged via timer and the pre-activation of the air conditioning or heater.
The Mitsubishi i will arrive in U.S. showrooms by November 2011 in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Northeastern U.S. market launch will take place in March 2012, with nationwide availability expected by December 2012.
By Dan Mihalascu
9 Comments:
How can a vehicle that will probably encounter a rollover if involved in a head-on collision with grocery cart cost $20.5K? Hell, even an unattended rolling grocery cart broadsiding this car will likely total it!
Misleading much? A federal tax credit is not cash back on the spot. The true price of the vehicle, which the buyer has to pay, is $29,990. Plus a destination charge of ~$720, making it $30,710. Plus $99 for a required home electrical inspection, which also "may necessitate an additional surcharge, depending upon consumer's location." Don't forget to add an extra $4300 for those who want the SE with Premium Package. Making it a nice $35k subcompact...
So much for "Priced from $20,490."
NOT paying 20k for an eyesore.
You could have supplied a few shots from it's best angle or side.
Looking from the ground up.
Fugly, (funcionly ugly)
And remember, no matter what brand of these world saving vehicles (sarcasm) it is, a subsidy (in this case a federal tax credit) means someone else has to pay for that subsidy. That person is someone who actually pays taxes. So while Joe or Jane Blow is out puttering around with an eco-stick up their ass, they're only smug because they got someone else to pay their bill!
Unless there is an option for a V6, I'm not interested.
this car only make sense in the cartoons
just buy a 2011 Hyundai Elantra which gets 29 city and 40 hwy or 2012 Hyundai accent/ KIA RIO/RIO5 both that gets 30 city and 40 hwy. both well under 20.500 and both a lot nicer looking and no charging BS or battery's to go bad. Also 85 mile range is not that much if you commute for work , does the AC or radio draw from the millage? I will stick with great fuel efficient cars like I stated above.
LEAF/Mitsu: I am on the interminable U.S. Leaf "list" but that seems to be, well, interminable. But a tsunami wasn't exactly predictible. Then there was the issue where the car wouldn't start after shut off (so leave it on, knucklehead). Anyway the Mitsu is ridiculous looking and I am quite certain it too will be besieged by a setback or two-hundred, but hopefully no natural disasters.
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