Mitsubishi MiEV
- Mpg equivalent: 112 miles combined city and highway
- MSRP: $29,125
- Annual fuel cost: $550
Mitsubishi offers the "i" in two models: the base level ES electric car and the higher level SE. The ES starts at $29,125 and the SE at $31,125. Both qualify for a federal tax credit of $7,500. It's available in select markets but won't be available nationwide until January 2013.
Situated in the rear, you'll find a 49-kilowatt electric motor, which pushes out 66 horsepower and tops out at 81 mph. It gets its power from a 330-volt, 16-kwh, lithium-ion battery system with 88 cells and boasts an impressive mpg equivalent of 112 miles combined, 126 miles for city and 99 miles for highway. Mitsubishi uses regenerative braking to increase the distance on a single charge.
A 120-volt trickle charger is standard -- it takes 22.5 hours for a full charge. The optional 240-volt home charger gets you a full battery in seven hours. For the commercial station 30-minute, quick-charge option, you'll need to purchase additional packages -- a $700 package for the ES and a $2,790 package for the SE.
Standard safety features include stability control, traction control and an air bag system. The "i" also includes a security system and MiEV technology, which is a system that monitors and optimizes energy throughout the car.