With the recent announcement in the US regarding the latest electric vehicle the Chevrolet Volt and the UK Government confirming it would stand by the grant for electric vehicle buyers, what is the best Electric Vehicle (EV) for your money?
The Volt which still hasn’t been confirmed for a UK launch is at a premium compared to the Nissan Leaf (£23,000) but is comparable with Mitsubishis offering the iMiEV. Although no pricing has been confirmed for the iMiEV as of yet it is more expensive than the Leaf in Europe and Japan.
The big factor that owners will take into account when deciding what EV to buy is the range, the best by far is the Volt which includes a small gas engine allowing the battery to be charged whilst going, giving it a range of 547km which is more akin to a standard car. This blows away the nearest competition the Leaf which only has a range of 160km and makes the iMiEV’s offering 129km comparable to those electric jeeps you see in Toys R Us.
Another issue maybe speed but this is unlikely to deter any EV purchasers except for maybe Tesla fans. In this category the Volt again comes out on top with speeds of 161km/h (100mph) but this time it is a lot closer with the Leaf and iMiEV coming in at 145km/h (90mph) and 130km/h (81mph) respectively. This is still above any legal speed limit on British roads.
Thirdly something people don’t really seem to think about is charging time again the Volt is top of this one but not in a good way, to fully charge Chevy’s offering will take around 10 hours compared to Nissan and Mitsubishis eight and six hour charging time.
So overall if you want something to try and take the place of your petrol car, if it gets released in Britain the Chevrolet Volt is your best choice or you could pay the $41,000 and try and get hold of a really big plug convertor. Otherwise if you want a city/town run around then the Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi iMiEV could be for you. They are perfect as city cars which is what the first batch of electric vehicles have been designed for.
The three large automotive producers have announced a new cooperative project and started a feasibility study the development and supply of power trains for electric vehicles.
The initiative was announced as the three major firms continue their discussion to extend their exist collaborations in regard to electric vehicles. In Europe, MMC (Mitsubishi Motors Corporation) and PSA Peugeot Citroen have already signed an agreement regarding the development and supply of electric vehicles for the region.
The companies plan to start production of their prospective electric models sometime in the near future. The new i-MiEV is already on sale and the European producers Citroen with its C-zero and Peugeot iOn will be in the showrooms before the end of the year.
The announcement was made at the end of June in Paris and Tokyo by the involved firms.
The i-MiEV is based upon Mitsubishis I and is a small city car.
When searching on the internet for anything Mitsubishi related all you seem to find is information on the new iMiEV electric car, It’s almost as if they have given up on petrol vehicles in a bid to corner the electric car market.
A closer look on the official website though finds that all is well and they are alive and kicking in the traditional combustion engine trade, even offering second hand models of their vehicles from the front page of the website something that you need to really look for with other brands.
The website is set out fairly well, getting onto the finance page is a bit tricky as it seems you have to click on an advert for finance which is on a loop. So you need to catch it quickly or you may end up booking a test drive for the new Colt.
The options available on finance are pretty limited. You have a choice of a big deposit of half followed by paying the rest in 2 years time on 0% APR or a £1000 deposit and monthly payments of around £140 at an interest rate of 4.9%. Total price comes to £8,554 and £9,350 respectively for a top spec 2010 Colt.
Mitsubishi do also offer a leasing deal on contract with prices ranging from £200-500 per month depending on model chosen but you will be better of checking a lease finder such as Leasbam who will search local dealers o find the best price for you, without you having to leave you computer screen.
Overall the Mitsubishi site does feel very dated, with its block lay out and text it is crying out for an upgrade which after looking at the MiEV website is true across the board.
If you are interested in driving a Mitsubishi then have a look over at Leasbam who will search all the best deals for you.
London receives 4 I-MiEVs as part of the city’s fleet vehicles.
The transport for London (Tfl) added four new electric vehicles to its fleet in as part of an effort to make London the Electric vehicle capital of Europe. The Mitsubishis were part funded by the Government’s Low Carbon Procurement Programme and go towards achieving the Mayors aims to bring 1,000 electric vehicles to the city’s fleet.
The cars will be used to check that roadwork’s comply with their permits and will be decked in their own distinctive livery.
The I-MiEV: With an electrifying view of London’s iconic Tower bridge.
In addition to increasing the number of electric fleet vehicles, the city is installing 1,600 charge points across the capital with the number rising significantly in the coming years. The Major of London, Boris Johnson is committed to supporting electric cars. In commenting he said:
“Very soon electric vehicles and the apparatus need to support them will be a common sight in London’s streets. We are doing all we can to make it as easy as possible for Londoners to choose electric and by opting for these vehicles in our own fleet we are helping to stimulate demand and show off their benefits including considerably cheaper running costs”
Figures and estimates show that if 100,000 vehicles were used in London, over the next decade they would cut the city’s carbon emissions by almost 500,000 tonnes. The addition of the I-MiEV will help Boris achieve London’s target of reducing its Carbon Dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025
Mitsubishi are “delighted” that London is taking on the I-MiEV, Mitsubishis Managing director, Lance Bradley commented:
“We are delighted the I-MiEV is continuing its long history of ‘first’ – this time as the first electric vehicles on the Transport for London’s planned 1,000 vehicle fleet.
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It has been alleged that a factory producing the Mitsubishi 380 was paying over 20 Chinese workers as little as £1 an hour.
The factory based in Adelaide was ran by the China-Sanan engineering company who appeared in court last week charged with underpaying workers by up to £175,000.
Mitsubishi closed the plant after sales of the 380, a large sedan declined to due what is thought the rising price of oil.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive-Director Michael Campbell has released details that the workers were brought in under the pretence of dismantling a press that was no longer needed by Mitsubishi. It has also been revealed the visas the workers were brought in on were originally three months maximum with work not allowed.
The Ombudsman reinforced the seriousness of the issue saying:
“Strong and persistent messages need to be sent to employers that both deter this type of behaviour and reinforce the fact that exploitative practices will not be tolerated.”
The issues not the first of its kind within the car industry but third parties have been outrages that foreign companies have not had to obey to the countries workplace and employment laws.
Mitsubishi vehicles are available for hire through Leasebam, get a quote quickly and the best price.
Japanese based manufacturers Mitsubishi have announced a price for their forthcoming electric car the i-MiEV
Previously in this blog we looked at the specs of the car which included:
- A range of 80 miles on one charge (seven hour recharge time)
- Exempt from Road Tax
- 12,000 miles of driving will cost around £100 in Fuel
- Free parking in London
When asked about the impact he thought the vehicle would have on the motor industry, Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi UK said:
“These are exciting times for the motor industry in the UK. This is the biggest change in the automotive industry since it began some one hundred years ago, so to be able to offer our zero emissions car for this price is a truly great achievement.”
The price Mitsubishi are asking for the i-MiEV?
Well for a first batch order, of which you will take delivery of in January 2011. Minus the £5,000 credit you will receive from the UK Government for buying an electric car.
You’re looking at a total of £33,699 including VAT.
The car which has a top speed of 81mph was trialled in the West Midlands late last year and has been met with overwhelming acclaim, car expert Quentin Wilson said:
“The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a forerunner of a transport revolution that eventually will change the world. At last here’s an electric car that doesn’t look like a church pew, seats four, does 80 mph and costs less than a quid to charge. What is there not to love?"
Mitsubishis Ralliart inc has scaled down its activities after financial problems.
The High performance and motorsport division of Mitsubishi has announced that it will be ceasing the majority of its business activities. The move comes as the company struggles to make it through the recession.
The Japanese based company, which had revenues of just under £3.8 million in 2005, has stopped its support to motorsport costumers, ceased new planning development and merchandizing, and stopped giving information on products and other services.
President of Ralliart inc, Masao Taguchi said; “Because of the sudden change of economic situation since the year before last, the business circumstances surrounding our company have become radically worse off. As a result we have reached a conclusion that we Ralliart inc, would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010.”
The company which was established in 1984 and supported high profile motorsport teams. It has a presence in the Dakar Rally, the World Rally Championship and the Australian Rally Championship. It provided services to motor competitors all over the world.
Mr Taguchi in speaking to motorsport fans urged them to keep supporting Mitsubishi teams and thanked people for their “patronage to our company”
The Mitsubishi colt is a small, reliable, inconspicuous city run around. Ideal for anyone who wants an economic solution to getting around town.
Although you’re not going to turn heads in this car, it is by no means ugly. Its has a fresh and funky interior, which sets it apart from the completion. Some of the opaque control knobs are backlight green when it is dark. This further adds to its funky appeal.
There is the usual safety equipment including front bags and ABS amongst other. Some models even include side airbags too.
Even though this is small car, you can still transport a lot around in it. The rear seats easily fold down or they can be removed all together.
The engine sizes come in 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5. The 1.5 also has the option of a turbo and there is a ‘RALLI-ART’ version for those who are a little more adventurous. The larger engine sizes are recommended for those doing longer motorway miles. However the smaller sizes are still pretty quick around town.
This car isn’t going to blow your socks off. It will get you, your family and any belonging to your destination without fail and in good modesty.
Man worried about access in and out of his Mitsubishi Colt asks for help.
A disabled man who owns a 1.5 diesel Colt writes to the times to ask for a recommendation on choosing a new car.
Mr. RA, Marlow said “I currently run a Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 diesel. Due to a muscular problem that affects my quad muscles, I have to rely on my wife pulling me out of the car. That’s just not fair.
“I am hoping that you could recommend cars from which I could be able to step out. The problem with my present car is that the seats are too low. I have to be pulled out as a result.”
Telegraph lifestyle correspondent ‘Honest John’, said.”If the seat height is a problem then try a Suzuki Splash or Vauxhall Agila”. But he also added” The Three door colt is one of the most accessible cars of its size.”
Honest John Link – The Telegraph
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Mitsubishis all electric vehicle.
The ‘I MEIV’ is an electric version of the I city car. It has a 40kw engine which produces 60hp. It has a lot of toque for a small car. With 190nm and with it being electric, it is straight away available from go.
It has a range of 80 miles before you need to recharge. Recharging is simple as it comes with an electric cable which plugs straight into a domestic supply. Where you would normally find the fuel cap you find the plug. Mitsubishi state it should take approximately 7 hours to recharge. They are also bring out a new special cable which will be able to give 80% charge in 20 minutes.
Designed for the town, it should be able to get you around without much hassle. On the motorways though it struggles; anything above 50 miles an results in a fast draining of the batteries. It has quick acceleration up to 30mph and should keep you comfortable in those frustrating traffic jams.
The problem with the environmental credentials of any electric cars is that any power they need still comes from the national grid. Currently the majority of power still comes from fossil fuels.
It has generous room in the boot for a small car and it should fit 2 adults comfortably with room for some luggage. Don’t expect to be capable of transporting the whole family though. This car is much more suited a young single city goer
