Mitsubishi i EVs Sweeten Chicago

Following a partnership with the Jelly Belly Candy Company, the North American division of Mitsubishi decided it was time to show Chicagoans the sweeter side of sustainable transportation. Said and done, four Mitsubishi i vehicles, accompanied by a pair of Outlander crossovers, have been dressed in brightly-colored custom Jelly Belly graphics and sent to the streets of Chicago to promote the zero-emission alternative to mobility.

The initiative also had the role of marking the opening of the 2011 Sweets & Snacks Expo, the premier trade show of the candy industry, but which, unfortunately, is not open to the public.

Starting November 2011, the EV will the be available for test drives at Mitsubishi dealers beginning this November offering a starting MSRP of $27,990 (before Federal or State incentive) meant to encourage EV ownership.

For a limited time, the US Federal Government is offering a $7,500 tax credit for the purchase of a qualified electric vehicle, such as the Mitsubishi i, and an additional credit of up to $1,000 for the installation of a 240V EVSE home charging dock. Plus, many cities and states offer HOV lane access and free parking for EV drivers.

Customers who pre-order their own Mitsubishi i now can benefit from a free inspection to determine if their home’s electrical system can adequately charge an EV, which is normally worth $99.99.

The first US state to get the new model will be Hawaii where pretty much all the needed conditions for a successful launch are met: a viable charging infrastructure and state rebates.

The model is powered by an electric motor which develops 66 hp and a battery system that gives it a range of 85 miles. The EV can be recharged from a 120V power socket in a huge 22.5 hours. When using a 220V plug, however, that time reduces to 6 hours.