News broke that Mitsubishi’s city-oriented i-MiEV electric vehicle was headed to North America several years ago, with the tweaked-for-Americans version debuting at the LA Auto Show late last year.
Now, the Japanese automaker has released details on its pricing and reservation system, with the base model i-MiEV ES starting at $27,990 before the $7,500 federal tax credit, putting the effective starting price at just $20,490.
Should buyers care to swap their ES for an SE, pricing will start at $22,490, and for that $2,000 premium buyers will get a slew of upgrades such as: a dynamic 360-watt, 8 speaker premium sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, silver accents on the seats, unique two-tone interior instrument panel and door panels, 15-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps with daytime running lights.
Of course, you can keep going and opt for the SE Premium package, which bumps the price yet again to $25,280 after the tax credit, but adds crucial functions such as a DC quick charging port that allows for level 3 battery charging, meaning an 80 percent charge can be achieved in just 30 minutes. Other goodies include a HDD navigation system, rearview camera and FUSE hands-free system with USB and steering-wheel controls.
How do I reserve mine?
For starters, sign up for Paypal. Once you do that, you need to visit i.mitsubishicars.com beginning on Earth Day (tomorrow) and create your own Mitsubishi i account, including your own custom “My Mitsubishi i” page.
Still with me?
Next you need to make a non-refundable $299 deposit via aforementioned Paypal account, as well as a $99.99 payment for the required home inspection (unless you are one of the first 2,000 pre-orders, in which case Mitsubishi will waive the fee).
Next you need to schedule an inspection for the technician to make sure your home can properly charge the i-MiEV. Finally, sit tight and wait for Mitsubishi to contact you when your delivery date approaches, at which point you will then notify them of the features and colors of your choice. The $299 deposit will be applied to the final purchase price.
What we know about the i-MiEV
The North American i-MiEV receives an upsized structure compared to its Japanese and European-specification siblings for more interior room and to better meet our different safety standards. The most obvious exterior changes are its bumpers, which contribute to a roughly 11-inch longer overall length. Flared fenders help the i-MiEV grow about four inches in width. Height is mostly unchanged – a minor 0.2 inch increase thanks to a revised suspension.
A 63 horsepower electric motor is mounted midship. Boasting 133 lb-ft. of torque, it powers the rear wheels. Mitsubishi gives the Japanese model an 80 mile range with a 16 kWh battery pack and a 100 mile range with a larger 20 kWh battery pack.
A three-phase 220V quick charger can power a low battery up to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes, but 110V charging will take 16 hours.
Mitsubishi tells us that its i-MiEV will go on sale first on the West Coast in late 2011 before making its way across the U.S. shortly thereafter. The automaker is targeting just 20,000 units by 2015.
Partnership
Mitsubishi teamed up with North American retailer Best Buy’s Geek Squad division for charging station installations. An Eaton designed and manufactured charging system will be available for i-MiEV buyers who want 220V fast charges rather than 110V household outlets.
Mitsubishi does not have an exclusive partnership with Best Buy, which leads us to believe that the retailer might announce other deals in the future.
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