Zero to 100 km/h takes 13.4 seconds, a few tenths slower than the aforementioned smart. Once the 1,180-kg (2,600-lb) i-MiEV is in motion, accelerating from 30 to 50 or from 50 to 70 is actually performed quickly, thanks to the electric motor’s 66 hp, and especially thanks to its 140 lb.-ft of torque.
So, you'll have no problem merging in traffic and keeping up with it. The car also reaches a top speed of a little over 130 km/h, but at that speed you’re breaking the law and using up precious battery juice.
The i-MiEV obviously isn’t for everyone who’s sick and tired of paying for gas. The car’s range limits you to travelling calculated distances, at least for the time being, since charging stations are barely starting to appear. And with a $32,998 MSRP before provincal and federal credits, it’s hard to convince people who won’t take the time to add up their annual fuel costs for budgetary purposes. Like every new technology, its price will eventually go down.
If you live about 40 to 50 km away from work like I do, it becomes an interesting alternative to a gas-powered car. The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be on sale in November, when the first batch of 1,000 copies arrives in Canada. Tree huggers, get in line now.
So, you'll have no problem merging in traffic and keeping up with it. The car also reaches a top speed of a little over 130 km/h, but at that speed you’re breaking the law and using up precious battery juice.
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| Thanks to the electric engine’s 140 lb.-ft of torque, the i-MiEV has no problem keeping up in traffic. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
The i-MiEV obviously isn’t for everyone who’s sick and tired of paying for gas. The car’s range limits you to travelling calculated distances, at least for the time being, since charging stations are barely starting to appear. And with a $32,998 MSRP before provincal and federal credits, it’s hard to convince people who won’t take the time to add up their annual fuel costs for budgetary purposes. Like every new technology, its price will eventually go down.
If you live about 40 to 50 km away from work like I do, it becomes an interesting alternative to a gas-powered car. The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be on sale in November, when the first batch of 1,000 copies arrives in Canada. Tree huggers, get in line now.
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