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New for 2010 

Interest in electric cars has seemingly dwindled, but Mitsubishi just might have re-ignited the flame by revealing its i MiEV hatchback at the 2009 New York Auto Show. Little is confirmed about the i-MiEV, which stands for "Innovative Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle," but fleet sales are expected begin in Japan in the coming weeks.

The i MiEV is based on a small car known in Japan as the "i." Should the i-MiEV make it the United States, the automotive press predicts it will have a lithium-ion battery pack that takes up to 14 hours to charge but lasts for approximately 80 miles between charges.  

What the Auto Press Says 

The automotive press has little to report on the i MiEV other than to speculate on when more information will be available. At this time, even the name of this electric hatchback hasn't been confirmed by Mitsubishi. 

Here is what the press has to say about the 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV: 

• "The four-passenger, largely urban dwelling machine is touted as the world's first 'practical electric vehicle offered by a major manufacturer.' Fleet sales are set to begin this July in Japan." -- Motor Trend
• "The lithium-ion battery pack will give the vehicle an 80-mile range on a single charge. It will take 12-14 hours to charge the vehicle using a normal outlet. Mitsubishi says there's also a fast charger available that allows an 80% charge in just 30 minutes." -- Kicking Tires
• "Changes to the basic I package makes such dreams plausible. The iMiEV is still microscopic, but designers widened the front and rear track by 3.7 and 5.3 inches, respectively. The car's width -- a scant 59.8 inches -- is greater than the Japanese-market model, and both front and rear overhangs have been increased by two inches to provide better crash protection." -- Automobile Magazine

Key Details 

Initial photos for Mitsubishi's i MiEV show a four-door hatchback similar to small-car designs from Honda and Scion, but auto writers claim nearly every detail of this car could change before it begins production in the U.S. According to Mitsubishi's web site, the four-passenger i MiEV's battery can be charged with a regular 100-volt or 200-volt outlet. A fast charging system will also be available that's capable of recharging the i MiEV to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes.  

Stay tuned for more details on the 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.