Pros: Affordable purchase price (especially after government tax credits) and low cost of ownership; lower maintenance costs than a comparable gas-engine car; close-quarters maneuverability
Cons: Sluggish acceleration and limited top speed; limited driving range; limited interior space; relatively long recharge time; interior materials look and feel cheap; mediocre ride and handling
2016 i-MiEV
CG Says: After taking the 2015 model year off, Mitsubishi’s electric car returns for 2016 largely unchanged save for the addition of a Navigation Package that includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, real-time traffic info, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rear-view camera. As with any current electric car, the i-MiEV should only be considered if you can live with its limited driving range between charges; in this case, about 62 miles according to the EPA. If you can, the i-MiEV comes across as something of a transportation bargain. Small size, terrific maneuverability, and exceptionally low per-mile costs make it well suited to inner-city driving, and the relatively cheap starting price is compelling as well. On the down side, there’s limited passenger room (the Nissan Leaf is more spacious), performance could be better (the Leaf is a bit quicker), and it may not be available in your area. Every pure-electric rival trumps the i-MiEV in terms of interior ambience and all-around refinement as well. But if it suits your needs, the i-MiEV strikes us as a practical city car and a decent way to “go electric.”
| Class | Subcompact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 4 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | ES: $22,995 |
| Base Engine electric motor |
| Horsepower 66 |
| Std. Transmission single speed |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 126 MPGe |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 99 MPGe |
