2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Pricing
We're still a long way from seeing electric cars from manufacturers that everyone can afford. Until that happens, it's nice to see an EV that fits into Average Joe's budget and not just the guy who buys one as a weekend novelty driver.

Space-efficient design
Sure, this little-bitty Mitsubishi hatchback slightly smaller than a Mini Cooper. But with a taller profile and a plenty of windows to let light in, the i feels more spacious inside.

The inside of the 2012 Mitsubishi i isn't all electric-car flash with informational screens to show energy flow or how efficiently the car is being driven. Instead, the i looks more like a conventional gasoline-powered car. It uses a regular key, has a regular-looking gas gauge indicating how much "fuel" you have left in your theoretical tank and a regular-looking gear selector. The cabin climate is adjusted through regular-looking knobs on the center stack. If someone didn't know the Mitsu i hatchback was an electric vehicle, sitting inside one wouldn't convince them otherwise. The only features that might draw some attention are the flip-down cupholders located beneath two air vents on the dash. Although practical, they're sized more for drinks befitting a trip across the city rather than road trip-worthy Big Gulps.

There's no denying that the 2012 Mitsubishi i has a unique look. With its engine positioned in the rear of the vehicle, this small electro-runner has no need for a long hood. As a result, it sports compact front and rear dimensions and a high roofline - giving it a somewhat jelly-bean-like silhouette. Large windows serve to further cartoonize the i hatchback's distinct dimensions, but they also give the driver a good view of the road - always welcome when darting in and out of city traffic (and avoiding bicycle messengers).

The electric heart of the 2012 Mitsubishi i isn't under the hood - it's behind the rear seat. Comprised of an electric motor, a fixed reduction gear transmission and a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery (with an 8-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty), this powertrain delivers 66 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque to the Mitsu's rear wheels. It can go up to 80 mph, so short freeway jaunts are very doable, provided you have enough charge in the battery. On a regular 120-volt home outlet, a full charge for the i will take 22.5 hours. On a 240-volt outlet, about seven hours. A public quick-charging station - which aren't a common sight just yet outside of major cities - will charge the battery to 80% in a matter of 30 minutes.

AC synchronous permanent magnetic motor
16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
66 horsepower @ 3,000-6,000 rpm
145 lb-ft of torque @ 0-300 rpm
Projected per-charge range: 62 miles
EPA city/highway fuel economy equivalent (MPGe): 126/99

The 2012 Mitsubishi i ES starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just under $30,000, while the SE runs closer to $32,000. If you qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit, the i hatchbacks slide in closer to $21,500 and $23,500, respectively. The Nissan Leaf, the only other mass-market EV currently available, is priced from $36,000-$38,000 before factoring in any potential credits. If you're wondering how much an i might be worth in the future, the jury is still out on electric-car residuals. But as demand for these cars rise, expect to see their values rise as well.

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