Mitsubishi’s little i-MiEV electric car has been rated by the EPA: 126 city MPGe and 99 highway. Those numbers beat the Nissan Leaf’s 106/92 ratings. Because of its smaller battery pack, the i-MiEV’s projected range of 62 miles trails the Leaf’s by 11 miles. (Our semi-long-term Leaf has been averaging 58 miles to a charge, so YMMV.) In the more optimistic LA4 cycle, the i-MiEV can travel 98 miles on a full battery. When it goes on sale in November, the $28,840 i-MiEV will also beat the $33,630 Leaf on price (both are eligible for a $7500 federal tax credit), making it the least-expensive electric on the market.
In anticipation of the i-MiEV’s launch and to display its commitment to EV technology, Mitsubishi Motors teamed with Mitsubishi Electric to build a solar-powered car-charging station at its North American headquarters in Cypress, California. The station can accommodate four vehicles and is equipped with three types of chargers: 110-volt, 220-volt, and a high-voltage quick charger. The i-MiEV needs 22 hours to fully charge on 110 volts or six hours on 220-volt power, and the quick charger can get it to an 80-percent charge in 25 minutes. Mitsubishi hopes the charging station’s central location between Los Angeles and Orange counties will attract EV commuters and will allow owners of any EVs and plug-ins to use the station.
