Our family was invited to the Mitsubishi i 100% Electric Experience tour this past weekend allowing consumers to experience and test drive the new all-electric full-size Mitsubishi i. Having never driven an electric car my husband really just wanted to put the car to the test and was allowed to take it out for a real world drive. Being the mom that I am I wanted to see features and space, which surprisingly has the space of a normal 4 door car, but appears as such a compact car!!
One of the most important items in the trunk of my car (the only one for that matter) is my stroller, looking at it I never would have thought my stroller would fit in the trunk. I was so wrong! The Mitsubishi i really does have a lot of room and I could easily tote my children around town in one. The price is comparable and it’s a car I could feel good about. 
From October through November the tour will set up in cities across the Pacific Northwest and California including, but not limited to:
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, WA
- Carmel, CA
- Monterey, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- More cities and information will be added as tour progresses
One of the Mitsubishi i first stops will be the green carpet at Portland Fashion Week on October 6. Other key first stops include the Burien Brat Trot in Seattle (October 9) and the Carmel Arts and Film Festival in Carmel, CA (October 13 – 15).
For a complete list of dates and event locations, visit http://i.mitsubishicars.com.
More about the Mitsubishi i
The breakthrough Mitsubishi i is the most affordable 100% electric-powered mass-market production vehicle available in North America. Its starting MSRP IS $29,125 and the net MSRP* after federal tax credit is a very affordable $21,625 for the standard ES model and only $23,625 for the upgrade SE version, making the starting price for the all-new Mitsubishi i several thousand less than other mass produced electric vehicles available in the market.
Powered by Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) technology, the rear-wheel drive vehicle’s drive system includes a 49 kW (66 bhp) AC synchronous electric motor; an 88 cell, 330V lithium-ion battery pack for a peak storage of 16 kWh; and a single fixed-reduction gear transmission. This electric motor is capable of producing its peak torque of 145 lb.-ft. almost instantaneously when accelerating from a standstill; the vehicle has a top speed of approximately 80 mph.
The driving range of the Mitsubishi i is a very robust EPA certified ‘real world’ rating of 62 miles/charge. The Mitsubishi i can be recharged using three advantageous methods: A 240V/15A Level 2 home EVSE Eaton charging system (estimated charge time from completely empty battery to fully charged 7 hours; charging method recommended by Mitsubishi), a CHAdeMO Level 3 public quick charging station (estimated charge time from very low battery to 80% full – 30 minutes; requires optional DC charging port available as an option), and through the conventional 120V/8A Level 1 portable charging cable that plugs into a standard wall outlet (estimated charge time from very low battery to full charge – 22.5 hours; included on all Mitsubishi i models).
The Mitsubishi i may be compact in its overall dimensions, but this EV’s clever packaging and design make for very roomy and comfortable accommodations for four adult-size passengers. With its relatively tall roofline, rear-mounted electric motor and battery pack placed safely and securely in a watertight, stainless-steel safety cell underneath the floor of the passenger compartment, even the rear passengers will experience an exceptionally satisfying degree of legroom. There is even a small cargo area at the back of the vehicle that is more than capable of carrying numerous bags of groceries or purchases from the local mall. And with the 50/50 rear seats folded flat, the cargo capacity expands greatly, allowing the Mitsubishi i to become the preferred vehicle for weekend trips for bulkier items at a discount warehouse or home improvement retailer.
Mitsubishi anticipates an initial rollout of their game-changing EV into its dealership network in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii by November 2011, followed by the northeastern U.S. market by March 2012 with nationwide availability expected by December 2012.
After driving this thing on the roads and on an open 60 mph highway, it kept up with traffic and did well to accelerate with the flow of traffic. The torque is there which is important when driving around town. It is a great car for a city like ours with plenty of electric car charging stations all over the city and at ever park and ride. The interior space was very comparable to any compact with possible even more leg room and head room. It has airbags all around and is bigger than it appears. Check one out on their tour or visit a dealer.
For more on the Mitsubishi i, visit http://i.mitsubishicars.com and www.facebook.com/imitsubishi.
Kristin,
Thank you for joining us for a test drive! We really like the comprehensive review you have posted up for your readers to enjoy.
-Mitsubishi i
that’s an interesting looking car!
I’ve never driven an electric car before. I love how if you’re in a parking lot and one goes by you can hardly even hear it!!