THE ALL-ELECTRIC VERSION of the Mitsubishi “i” kei car, the i-MIEV, is nearing its July release onto the Japanese market, with prices set to begin at AU$43,000 – nearly twice the price of the petrol/electric hybrid Honda Insight which starts at about AU$26,000 in Japan.
Developing 47kW and 180Nm of torque from its lithium-ion battery powered motor, the i-MIEV is good for a range of around 160km; more than enough for most suburban commuters.
Best of all, for the environmentally-conscious, the i-MIEV produces 70 percent less CO2 emissions than its petrol-powered peers.
As for the question of when we’ll see the diminutive Mitsubishi making its way around Aussie cities, Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s Lenore Fletcher told TMR that despite the i-MIEV’s recent Australian Design Rules approval and full compliance, the company is awaiting approval from head office in Japan.
When asked about feedback from the Australian market, Fletcher said that the recent trials on Australian roads saw many private buyers and companies contact the company, eager to place orders despite the uncertainty of local pricing.
On the topic of pricing, Fletcher pointed to the fact that in Europe and the US, certain all-electric vehicle costs have been offset by government funding and partnerships with energy companies, and similar arrangements may be made in Australia.
Despite the expected price difference between the i-MIEV and its petrol-electric hybrid counterparts, “Mitsubishi Australia is anticipating a successful introduction into the Australian market,” Ms Fletcher said.
For its first year, the i-MIEV will be limited to just 2000 units – plenty for the Japanese market, but too few to spare any for Australia or the rest of the world.
However, 2010 should see a further 5000 i-MIEVs hit the road, with the company expecting to produce 30,000 each year by 2015. More than enough for eager enviro-minded Aussie buyers.
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I’ve been looking forward to the release of this “affordable” EV. However, at $43000, tell Mitsubishi they’re dreamin’…and so am I. An EV is basically a car body with an electric motor, battery, and electronics. Some enthusiasts make them out of old cars and lead-acid batteries for next-to-nothing. If this is the sort of pricing Mitsubishi are looking at for this small car, I suppose my next car for commuting to work is going to be a petrol-driven small car. Sorry, but it’s too much. A car this size with a battery life-span of about 10 years has to cost much less. I could buy a small car for $13000, drive it into the ground, and ditch it in 10 years, and still be way ahead after fuel and servicing costs were factored in. They’re taking advantage of people who want to do good for the planet and can afford to pay for it. That’s a small market. I now look forward to BYD in China coming up with something.
Why can’t we produce this in South Australia? Surely some of our Government subsidies should help reduce the cost to Australian buyers of this car? Maybe this is just what the Australian car manufacturing industry needs. I’m tired of tax payer dollars helping to prop up industries which are adding to rather than reducing carbon emissions.
Spot on HelenO! There’s already an Australian company taking brand new Hyundai Getz’s and stripping the engine and other parts out, then putting in batteries and an electric motor. That’s an expensive way to go about this, but they’re doing something positive. Why not have the Mitsubishi plant in Adelaide reopen and produce the MiEV with subsidies from KRuddy. Beats giving money to Holden to produce - surprise surprise - a 4-cylinder car. How innovative is that?
Its true you can convert with lead acids for a lot less but they don’t have as much oomph! I assume they will be using lithium ion batteries which are lighter and will hold charge for longer giving you a better run-about for your money.
Also you need to factor in on road costs - electric charge v petrol fillup, as well as the tune up and repair cost associated with a petrol engine. No petrol engine means no costs.
Just check my tires thanks!