Archive for category Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle Features Lower Price
Posted by admin in Mitsubishi on July 14, 2011
Mitsubishi EV has a leg up on the competition.
Unless you follow the electric vehicle market closely, you may not have known that Mitsubishi sells such a model. That model, the i-MiEV, has been on the market longer than the better known Nissan LEAF, but it is only sold in Japan and in Europe, whereas the LEAF is sold in the United States and in Europe in addition to Japan. Introduced in summer 2009 nearly 18 months before the LEAF, the Mitsubishi EV recently eclipsed 10,000 units sold, about 1,500 more units than the LEAF and its Renault sibling.
EV Sales
Mitsubishi plans to eventually sell its electric vehicle in the U.S., and has forecast global sales of 25,000 units for the coming year, including sales derived from its French partner, Peugeot-Citroen. Notably, the Mitsubishi EV has dropped in price as the Japanese automaker has developed an entry level “M” version which is priced at about $32,000, comparable to the Nissan LEAF. Moreover, the automaker has developed a second, extended range model allowing it to go 110 miles between charges. Mitsubishi has not said whether both models will be available in the United States when it goes on sale in 2012.
EV bragging rights are at stake as Mitsubishi and Nissan attempt to beat out Japanese and global competitors by dominating the market. The Chevrolet Volt is not considered a direct competitor as this vehicle uses a supplemental gas engine once its 35-mile pure electric range has been expended. Still, the Volt’s appeal is that it can be driven for long distances and quickly refueled with gasoline to extend its range. Once at rest, the Volt can be recharged, allowing it to run on electric power once again. Read the rest of this entry »
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Wins MPG Crown
Posted by admin in Mitsubishi on July 14, 2011
New Mitsubishi electric vehicle hits the US market this fall.
The Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt are two of the most fuel efficient vehicles for sale in the United States. By 2012, both vehicles will be surpassed by the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, an electric vehicle that went on sale in Japan in summer 2009. This model will soon be made available for sale in North America. When it hits the market, it will offer a longer range, better fuel economy and slightly lower price than the Nissan LEAF, another pure electric vehicle.
The i-MiEV beat the LEAF to the market by nearly 18 months. Mitsubishi has sold more than 14,000 units, but the LEAF is making up for lost time and has already sold 8,500 models worldwide. Nissan’s French partner, Renault, is selling its version of LEAF in Europe while Peugeot is doing likewise in for Mitsubishi.
US Retail
By Fall 2011, the i-MiEV will be made available for sale in the United States, retailing for about $32,000 which is $785 less than the LEAF. This base “M” model will have a 75 mile range, but if a 110 mile range is desired, the “G” model can be had for about $47,000. Both models are eligible for the federal government’s $7,500 tax credit, effectively reducing these prices to $24,500 and $39,500 respectively. In some states, such as California, a $5,000 tax rebate is available, driving down the cost for Golden State drivers to $19,500 and $34,500 respectively. Read the rest of this entry »