Americans can’t stop talking about the development of the new electric vehicles that are coming out in 2011 and 2012. From the Nissan Leaf to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, people cannot wait to get their hands on an all-electric vehicle with zero emissions. There are a couple of reasons though, why the Mitsubishi i-MiEV stands out from other vehicles in its class and is the vehicle you should consider for your first electric vehicle, should Mitsubishi decide to bring it to America.

1. Won Environmental Award. The all-electric i-MiEV vehicle was recently awarded the prestigious "Environmental Special Grand Prize." The prize was announced at the 25th International Festival held in Paris on February 4th, 2010.

2. Performance. The electric version replaces the "i" engine, transmission, and fuel tank with a 16-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack, a 47-kilowatt motor producing 133 foot-pounds of torque, an inverter, and the car’s power electronics. The i-MiEV handles perfectly for quick urban cut-and-thrust driving.

3. It’s fun. The car is nimble because the drivetrain is in the back just ahead of the rear wheels, so handling balance is better than the more common front-drive layout.

4. Roomy. Though it is a small compact car, it can still fit up to four adults comfortably.

5. Low price. Mitsubishi forecasts a bit less than $30,000 — before the $7,500 federal tax credit and other incentives some states offer. Charger and installation expected to average about $2,000.

Although the i-MiEV’s are primarily sold in Japan, several i-MiEVs have been delivered to California utility fleets for evaluation. As you can see, this electric vehicle will be a strong contender should Mitsubishi decide to bring these vehicles to North America. With its low price and funky charm, it could be well worth the wait. For more information on the new Mitsubishi i-MiEV, contact Mark Mitsubishi Glendale in Phoenix, Arizona. We will answer your questions and point you in the right direction.