Mitsubishi i-MiEV pricing announced (EU)

Mitsubishi has revealed some new information on the forthcoming Euro-spec i-MiEV electric city-car.

Compared to the Japanese variant, the European model has remodelled bumpers, centre console and "improved interior comfort." Compare to the regular petrol ‘i-car’, the i-MiEV comes with ASC (Active Stability Control) and side & curtain airbags as standard.

The EV features a lithium-ion battery which powers a small 63bhp (64PS) electric motor has 180Nm (133lb-ft) of torque. This allows for a range of 100 miles (160 km). UK consumers will pay 96p per charge – Mitsubishi claims it will cost £144 for 12,000 miles of driving.

Due to go on sale in December, the i-MiEV will be launched in 14 countries; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. Prices will vary from €33,000 - €35,000 (or equivalent), but government incentives will lower it to €30,000 in most countries. UK models start from £28,990, or £23,990 after the governments £5,000 incentive. Mitsubishi originally priced the EV at £38,699.

Servicing costs will be substantially lower compared to a internal combustion engine, due to the fact the EV has 4 moving parts, while a internal combustion engine has around 300 moving parts.

Over 2,300 i-MiEVs have been in force on Japanese roads since full production started in July 2009.

UK i-MiEVs will be offered with a range of personalisation options, including roof and door mirror graphics, stereo/MP3 systems, leather interior and environmentally friendly accessories such as floor mats made from biodegradable bamboo fibre. Deliveries will start in January 2011.