What is it? An electric version of a tiny, Japanese "kei" car, the iMIEV that looks something like a four-door, four-passenger version of a Smart ForTwo. In Japan, kei cars have such small engines that they are subject to much lower tax rates than larger cars. The gasoline-fueled version of this car, the MIEV, is popular in Japan. Its tall, narrow stance makes for reasonable room in the back seat for short trips, and the rear engine is mounted underneath the cargo area, as in the Smart.
The iMIEV will use lithium-ion battery packs and have a range of about 80 miles on a charge. While Mitsubishi announced it will sell the electric iMIEV here, it might also to sell gas-powered MIEV, as well. The iMIEV pictured is the current version of the car sold in Japan. The version sold here would be based on the next-generation MIEV.
What is new or notable? Most notable is that Mitsubishi says it will bring this car here at all. The iMIEV could be both the first Japanese kei-sized car to make it to the U.S., and one of the first four-passenger battery-electric vehicles sold here. Executives seem to be betting the company on selling small, entry-level alternative cars in the U.S.
When will it be available? Mitsubishi says before 2012
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