Kyle’s Corner (FYI) Mitsubishi’s I Starts ‘the Electric’ Price War? Let’s Hope So!

Competition is good as consumers get more for their money! Such "necessity is the mother of all invention" is taking place in the automotive world now. However, on the all-electric side of things, consumers have reported that they will not buy electric cars as their prices are high and the driving range is low.

Now, however, enter in competition and it may well be the start of electric cars moving somewhat closer to what consumers want.

Mitsubishi has set the MSRP of its i electric at $27,990 for the ES model and $29,990 for the SE model. And regarding these two all-electric cars, many buyers will eventually be able to subtract the $7,500 federal tax credit. What is the bottom line? The Mitsubishi electric offering will undercut the Nissan Leaf by $5,000, and the ES model after the tax credit will cost about $20,000. In this comparison, it must be stated that the Mitsubishi i is a smaller car than the Leaf.

The Mitsubishi ES comes with air conditioning, a driver side seat heater, remote keyless entry, and a four speaker 100-watt stereo with AM/FM/CD and MP3 capability. The SE also includes alloy wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, two-tone interior features, fog lamps, plus a 260-watt sound system.

Furthermore, for an additional $2,790, the SE Premium Package adds HDD navigation including a rearview camera, a FUSE hands free link with USB port, audio controls on the steering wheel, and a Level 3 Chandemo quick charge port (with the battery at its lowest state of power, the Level 3 Chandemo quick charge charges the car's batteries to 80 percent in 30 minutes). The drawback is that there are few appropriate level 3 high voltage power sources in the U.S. (could big oil and other special interests be holding things up!).

If charged from a 110 voltage outlet, the batteries take 22.5 hours to recharge. And with a 220 volt outlet (what is used for most consumers' washing machines and driers), it takes 6.5 hours for the recharging. The Mitsubishi i's driving range is presently 85 miles on a charge. Thus, it could be a daily light commuter to work (an employer might go for providing the 6.5 hour recharge - it never hurts to ask!) or a city car.

Mitsubishi warrants the car's battery pack for 8 years and 100,000 miles.

On the road, the Mitsubishi i is described as nimble and easy to park. On the inside it offers a surprising amount of room and fold-down rear seats to increase cargo hauling ability.

To help get this 2012 Mitsubishi i all-electric going, the automaker has a web site. To learn more about the car visit: i.mitsubishicars.com.

Has Mitsubishi started an electric car price war? Well, the car does come with some surprising standard features and, as BP has said in the past, "it's a start" regarding the price issue. Now, all we need is some good old competition to get those high voltage quick charging stations installed across the country. Maybe Mitsubishi and Nissan will need to do it?

See the 2012 Mitsubishi i all-electric in the slideshow!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.