New Mitsubishi Electric car hits the U.S. market this fall.

Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt are two of the most fuel-efficient vehicles for sale in the United States. In 2012, both vehicles are surpassed by the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, an electric car that went on sale in Japan in the summer of 2009. This model will be available for sale in North America. When the market, increased range, lower fuel consumption and slightly lower price than the Nissan LEAF, a pure electric car hits another.

The i-MiEV to the magazine truly in the market for nearly 18 months. Mitsubishi has sold over 14,000 units, but the magazine has lost time and has already sold 8,500 models worldwide. French partner Nissan, Renault, is selling its version of LEAF in Europe, while Peugeot is doing the same in the Mitsubishi.

U.S. retail

By the fall of 2011, the i-MiEV became available for sale in the United States, at a cost of about $ 32,000, which is $ 785 less than the blade. This basis of the “M” model will have a range of 75 miles, but as a 110 miles is required, the “G” model can be had for around $ 47,000. Both models are eligible for the credit of the federal government taxes of $ 7,500, effective this fall in prices to $ 24,500 and $ 39,500 respectively. In some states, like California, a $ 5,000 tax credit available, which cost $ 19,500 Golden State drivers and $ 34,500 respectively.

Mitsubishi has managed to lower the price because the battery technology is cheaper, 50 percent in just two years. The final price for the U.S. consumer is probably the exchange rate between the dollar and Japanese yen change must be taken into account. Mitsubishi plans to sell 25,000 units in 2012, with 6,000 models sold in Japan, according to company sources.

High MPGe

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is powered by an electric motor of 63 hp with an estimated speed of 112 MPGe by the EPA. This compares with the Nissan LEAF 93MPGe 99 MPGe and the Chevy Volt, the last when operating in electric mode. The Tesla Roadster, which is about three times the price of the Mitsubishi costs, still leads the pack, which offers 119 MPGe.

Sale of all electric vehicles grow slowly, but without government support is likely to remain relatively low. The world economy remains week, gas models are more efficient and with a cheap price, and consumers are slow to understand the importance of new technology. However, the electrification of the car has many advantages because it helps the world less dependent on oil and contribute to cleaner air.