Mitsubishi’s Electric Car Will Be Released in 2009 for $37,500

[SVOboy]

http://www.ecomodder.com/blog/2008/0...009-for-37500/

It seems our favorite media darling, the Chevy Volt, will have bit of competition when it comes time for it’s eventual release in 2010. Though we’re not sure if it will make it to the US (like the Smart Car EV), we do know that Mitsubishi’s iMiev will make it to market a year earlier than the Volt and be priced lower.

The iMiev, which we start hearing about earlier in the year, has already been slated by Mitsubishi for commercial sale in Japan in 2009, a full year before the Volt is intended to hit US shores. There are also unconfirmed rumors that the iMiev may also make it to the US after a run of a few years in Japan. However, what’s really interesting about the iMiev right now is that Mitsubishi has just released a price figure of what $37,496 US, which is about $2,500less than we often hear talked about as the price point for the Chevy Volt.

Despite the similarities in pricing and release date, the two cars are very different beasts. The iMiev is based on a current Kei-car produced by Mistubishi for Japan, and has a 47kW electric motor powered by a 330-volt lithium ion battery pack. The car will have a top speed of 80 mph and an all electric range of about 100 miles. Charging will take place via a normal power outlet and should take about 14 hours to completely charge the battery, though there is all a 220V charge option, which only takes 7 hours.

On the other hand, the Volt will feature a sportier 120kW motor and 100+ mph top speed, but will only have an electric range of 20 or 40 miles (depending on the speculation and model selection), after which is will switch over to your standard dinosaur burning engine like in most cars these days. Chevy claims that most people never drive over 40 miles in a day, but I’m sure these Volts will be burning enough fossil fuels that calling them “electric cars” will leave a bitter taste in some peoples’ mouths. I think series hybrid or plug-in hybrid is much more appropriate.

While you’re getting hyped up for the iMiev, check out this test drive video from Popular Mechanics:

[Red]

80 mph and 100 miles is more than enough for most peoples daily commute.

[vtec-e]

As usual, the payback period is very long. It's always the way with eco friendly stuff.

ollie

[SVOboy]

Originally Posted by vtec-e

As usual, the payback period is very long. It's always the way with eco friendly stuff.

ollie

And with new technology. VTEC-E used to have a price premium but with i-vtec all civics now have the same capabilities.

[aerohead]

Disappointed to hear about price.John Gilkison's been watching the Mitsubishi over at EVWorld,and they're expecting a price of $18,000 US.But maybe its only 'cause the US Dollar loses value each day like a sack full of AIDs-infected rattlesnakes.

[roflwaffle]

Originally Posted by vtec-e

As usual, the payback period is very long. It's always the way with eco friendly stuff.

ollie

Yup. At ~100k miles it'll reach cost parity w/ the cheaper gas version in Japan, and in fleet service if it makes it to ~200k it'll save ~$15k. Iono if the average driver would be able to rack up enough miles before Shaken "encouraged" a sale (unless they tax it differently as an EV) but it seems like it does have a fairly cost effective market.