The Mitsubishi i hits dealerships this November, in Hawaii, California and other Western states, and will offer a 70 mile range for under $30,000 before tax incentives. Mitsu’s i (known as the i-MiEV overseas) is the first of those six plug-in / hybrid cars.

Mitsubishi is also letting some models go, as part of this new plan: three low sellers will be disposed of by 2013: Galant midsize sedan, Eclipse coupe and Endeavor SUV. Mitsubishi will bring in replacements for all, but expect those to be smaller and have hybrid drive trains.

“Combining small-footprint cars with electrification is a natural strategy,” Moe Durand, a Mitsubishi spokesperson, said. He added, “clean-diesel technology — especially expensive exhaust-treatment systems — was too expensive to install profitably on smaller, more affordable cars. It seems the only way to meet regulatory targets in several markets is to aggressively leverage battery technology.”

One vehicle that is not as green as the rest of Mitsubishi’s future will stick around – the “Evo Lancer” also known as the Evolution, an enhanced version of Lancer, will remain in the company’s line up. The car has a huge cult following.

So, is Mitsubishi putting all their eggs in a very fragile “eco car” basket? Or will they be ahead of the curve when EV’s go mainstream?

Source: NY Times

Both vehicles boast an 81 mile range with the help of lithium-ion batteries. 81 miles not grand enough for you? If this helps, both vehicles’ batteries can be recharged 80% within thirty minutes, thanks to a rapid charger. No rapid charge on hand? Expect to wait six hours for the batteries to be full again. i-MiEV/iOn’s electric motor produces 64 horse power and 180 Nm of torque. Peugeot stated the iOn has a top speed of 81 mph, which is good because we all know what happens when your Peugeot reaches 88.

Look for more of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Peugeot iOn EV and more at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show Sept 17th.

First off, we have to say it’s great that Mitsubishi stuck with the i-MiEV’s concept design (for the most part) – it takes the futuristic style of Mitsu and other Japanese brands and mixes in the compact/fun nature of a European car. In fact, it almost looks like Fiat and Mitsu had a baby, then decided to make it electric!

We also dig recharge time: I-MiEV is powered by a a lithium-ion battery, which is mounted in the center of the car, under the floor. Range is somewhere around 100 miles per charge (MPC?) when driven under normal conditions. The battery can be recharged to 80% capacity using standard outlets in 30 minutes.The i-MiEV goes from empty to fully-charged in 7 to 14 hours. The regenerative braks also help.

It would be nice to have more solid numbers to back up this car. Mitsubishi claims the car gives “maximum fun” “maximum economy” and “maximum regenerative” yet doesn’t share any hard digits when it comes to top speed, 0-60 time, etc. Although the electric motor is rated at 47kW, with 180 Nm of torque.

Currently the tiny car has a price $47,544 USD. It is certainly not the most inexpensive automobile on the highway. But with gas already heading back up to $3 a gallon in the States (in only the first week of June) it may only be a matter of time until people start weighing tag cost over long term price of fuel. One thing is certain, if Mitsubishi wants to market the i-MiEV to North America, they’re going to need a reduction in cost.