The battle of the EVs draws closer, and while I doubt it’ll the Ragnarok we all hope for, it should be an interesting fight. While Tesla is doing fine selling its high-end Roadster, the real competition will likely be around $40,000, give or take a few thousand. Of course, everybody’s ready for the Volt, but it seems that Mitsubishi is going to beat everyone to the market with the first consumer-oriented mass-produced electric vehicle (as opposed to enthusiast-oriented like Tesla’s models). The iMiEV (bets on name changing after the first year?) should be hitting the showrooms in Japan this Summer, and hopefully we’ll see it on our shores not too long after.
The iMiEV (sport version shown above) is pretty much what you’d expect. Not high-performance like a Roadster, but not an oversized scooter like the Puma or slightly larger “urban transport” vehicles. You can see an older test drive here, which lays out the basics, but essentially it’s a practical electric vehicle with which a family might conceivably be able to replace their Subaru or whatever.
Others are biting at Mitsubishi’s heels, of course, so getting it out there fast is of prime importance. I’ve promised myself that I won’t buy a car until I can get a plug-in electric, but will this be it? And will I have to move to Portland to keep the thing charged?
[via VentureBeat]
I think I’ll wait for a car I won’t feel ashamed to be seen in. But then, I’m not Japanese, the super happy fun is probably lost on me.
I for one will be waiting for the Volt, not just because I would like to support domestic auto makers (here in the US) but because this thing is uglier than a dogs rear end, and the name sounds like a cheap Apple nock off product (iMiEV).
In todays world looks really matter, the Volt is no beauty queen either but it’s a million times better looking than this.
Thats being said, well see how the price and performance stack up when it comes out for general consumption.
Michael,
I agree with you TOTALLY on this.
Thanks,
Gary
This appears to be yet another car for the Eclectic types. Electric cars WILL NOT become popular among consumers until they lose the eclectic edge and start looking like “cars.”
Many people are not looking for something their neighbors will notice and bystanders will gawk at. I just want a car that works, gets me around town, can carry my groceries and won’t kill me (or anyone else) with crap it pumps out of its tail pipe!
Is that too much to ask?
Give me 150 – 200 miles between charges and other wise work pretty much like every other car. That’s all I want. I don’t need to look like a space cadet.
Anyone else feelin’ me here?
Thanks,
Gary Bonner
Baltimore, Maryland
This is exactly the type of electric car that I am waiting to buy. It’s from a major Car Company, has an acceptable everyday commuting range and is all electric and therefore will not require the maintenance of an internal combustion engine.
Please bring it to the US market ASAP.