Mitsubishi Begins Taking Domestic Orders for the i-MiEV

Today, July 31st 2009, Mitsubishi will begin taking retail orders for the company's hyped i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), a dedicated electric vehicle based on the gasoline-driven 660cc “i” minicar's rear-midship layout platform. Production on this swollen lymph node began back in June.

In what feels like a stretch, the company says the i-MiEV "represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors." Not sure I'd be bragging like that if it were me, although in the depiction below, witness a design development compliments of the Japanese, one that makes the most out of every millimeter of space.

Specs for the i-MiEV

• Type/class: 4-passenger dedicated electric vehicle
• Manufacturer: Mitsubishi
• Propulsion system: 63 hp permanent magnet synchronous motor
• Vehicle range: 100 miles (160 km)
• Fuel(s): Electricity
• Battery system: 330V 16kWh Lithium-ion
• Time to full battery recharge: 14 hours (100V/15A), 7 hours (200V/15A)
• Tailpipe emissions: No
• Price: JPY 4,599,000 ($48,400)
• Availability: Japanese Market

Unfortunately, look at that whopping price tag. Granted, government subsidies will lop about $12,000 off that price but that's still pretty steep for what amounts to a four-person capsule hotel on wheels.