Mitsubishi i

2012 Mitsubishi i - First Drive, U.S.-spec MiEV

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The Mitsubishi i—otherwise referred to as the i-MiEV—is a five-door minicompact hatchback with an all-electric powertrain. As of the 2012 model year, when it was introduced in the U.S. (after being tested in fleets), its starting retail price of just $29,125 (not including the $7,500 federal tax credit) makes it the lowest-priced fully electric passenger car for sale in the U.S.; it also has the highest EPA miles per gallon equivalent (mpg-e) of any car, at 112 mpge. More expensive alternatives to the Mitsubishi i include the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric.

The i is based on a rear-engine, Japanese-market minicar (or so-called kei car) of the same name, but in place of a small gasoline engine Mitsubishi has fitted a 49-kW (66 hp and 147 pound-feet) electric motor and 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with the result weighing nearly 2,600 pounds. Charging takes up to 22.5 hours on a 110V household plug, or just seven hours with the Mitsubishi-approved (and Best Buy installed) Eaton 220V charger.

Over several drives, we've found the Mitsubishi i to be a good low-speed city car. While it can step away from traffic lights quicker than some gasoline small cars, it's remarkably out of its element on the highway; at 55 mph and above it feels more sluggish, with the driving range dropping significantly. Enhancing its low-speed city-friendly personality is excellent steering and great maneuverability—although a very soft suspension calibration means that you'll never mistake the i for an Evo.

Interior accommodations, thanks to the i's bulbous, tall profile, are surprisingly good; there's space for four adults, and the 50/50-split rear seatbacks flip forward for more cargo space. Ride quality is also reasonably good, with a quiet cabin, but upholsteries and trims are strictly of the economy-car vein.

With gentle, lower-speed driving, the i can return 62 miles, officially, on a full charge—although by using the 'Eco' or 'B' settings for the shift lever you can take better advantage of the i's regenerative braking system and recapture some of the energy otherwise lost in stop-and-go.

While other electric cars have introduced complicated interfaces, as well as more range tools and eco-driving coaches than you might want or need, Mitsubishi has kept is remarkably simple with the i. There's a traditional ignition key you turn, a shifter you click into gear, and a very basic LCD trip meter that shows estimated range.

Features are also quite basic, although remote climate control and charging operation are provided through the keyfob, and an eight-speaker, 360-watt sound system, heated driver's seat, and navigation system on offer.