$15,600 the sweet spot for electric cars in Japan

[SHRED]

When these electric commuter cars start zipping around our streets the "want factor" will go through the roof at these prices.

Where are the US car makers??

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The i-MiEV is powered by a compact 47 kW motor that develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque and a 330V, 16 kWh or 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is 130 kph (81 mph), with a range of up to 130 km (81 miles) for the 16 kWh pack or 160 km (99 miles) for the 20 kWh pack. The motor is coupled to a reduction gear and differential to drive both rear wheels.

The latest version has a new lithium-ion battery, a more efficient electric motor (10% lighter), a new inverter (30% smaller) and tires that rotate with less resistance.

The range has been boosted to 160 km (99 miles) with the 16 kWh battery, which is 23% better than before. This means that the car can either be sold for less with the smaller battery, or with an even longer range and the bigger one. No word on top speed, but we can probably assume it's still close to 130 kph (81 mph).

But don't hold your breath. Mitsubishi and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) have been test-driving prototypes and the testing phase won't be over until March 2009. With some luck, this electric car or another one based on this drivetrain will be available in 2010.

Before you ask: "Mitsubishi plans to sell the commercial version in 2010 for less than ¥2 million (US$17,000)."

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/02/mitsubishi_i_miev_electric_car.php

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/29/15-600-the-sweet-spot-for-electric-cars-in-japan/

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/special/ev/

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[Auggie]

1. Sweet, indeed. Can a 6'3" tall person drive it comfortably?

[tomreedtoon]

4. Yes, if you can cut a hole in the roof for your shoulders.

And if you can wear goggles so the bugs don't blind you as you drive with your head in the open.

[Auggie]

8. LOL...

[azul]

2. I had been trying to invest in battery development and manufacturing

for the past 15 years and I had come to the conclusion that it was being sabotaged and repressed in the US.

I'm not rich, but I wanted to support the industry change out of oil, but companies like the one with patents on Ni metal hydride, were bout up by oil and auto companies and killed.

Now we, and Israel and other countries, are saying that batteries are a national security issue.

The US military is even preparing to go electric, ironically still geared-up to fight for oil.

http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=21078

[Gregorian]

11. Interesting, isn't it.

We really haven't had renewable energy generation as a priority. It's slowly changing. Far too slowly. I can tell you are one of us who has been patiently waiting and waiting for responsible change. What a letdown. And it's further aggravating to see such irresponsible behavior on the part of American citizens. There is essentially no consciousness regarding limits. People are still just using as if there were no tomorrow. Which is looking more and more like the case.

/rant off.

[sellitman]

3. My brother has a ZAP Electric Scooter

On nice days he commutes to work on it. It's an amazing machine but I think it only goes around 30 miles between charges.

http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-scooters/zapino-electric-scooter

[SHRED]

5. check this out

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s-features.php

[sellitman]

16. Very cool.

ZAP has a car in the works that gets 100 miles between charges and can motor along at 75 MPH.

Once they can double the miles per charge to 200 they then will be able to mass produce these vehicles.

We are getting close.

[ejpoeta]

6. but can i pull my big camper with it?? hehe.

jk. sounds great for a commuter vehicle.

[Wednesdays]

7. K&R

:kick:

[Shagbark Hickory]

9. This is why the Detroit 3 have lost and will continue to lose this battle.

They don't make money selling $17k cars much less $17k cars that aren't designed to have a million engine parts break constantly.

Before long, cars will be sold at retail outlets like walmart and costco anyway. Then it will be bye bye dealerships.
We'll be checking Nextag to see who's got the best price on the cars.

[DCKit]

15. Not just the parts, but almost no maintenance as well.

Still, it's hardly a valid excuse for keeping them off the market when we could be the country manufacturing them.

At $17K, I'd buy one in a heartbeat and rent a gas or hybrid car for long-distance trips.

[SHRED]

10. how about 1 more vote for greatest page?

[JohnWxy]

12. How many people fit in it? 2?. Would this be anything more than a second car for most people?

[XemaSab]

13. It looks big enough to be a first car for many people

Go to work, go get groceries, come home.

What more is there? :shrug:

[JohnWxy]

14. some people have a kid or two. Frankly, this looks too small for 2 adults and 2 kids plus groceries

I asked as I couldn't tell for sure, but it looks like it might hold 2 people and not much more.

Many first car buyers buy a used car of somewhat larger size (than a subcompact - this car could be called a micro-compact).

[kristopher]

17. More Magic Insights From John, John the Ethanol Man?

You have absolutely no idea of its dimensions but you are able to determine its classification? I bet you dream of dollar signs flying out of your window when you read articles like this

[Terry in Austin]

18. Why, ten or fifteen people can fit in it

...if they are clowns

[JohnWxy]

19. clowns you say? see link:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x197434#197563