Hawaii First to Get Mitsubishi’s New Electric “i”, $16,000 After Rebates

2012 Mitsubishi i. Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

By Sonia Isotov

Come November, a new electric vehicle, priced at $16,000, after state and federal tax rebates, and called the “i”, will begin rolling out statewide from Cutter Mitsubishi in Aiea.

Reportedly, 100% electric-powered and manufactured by Mitsubishi, the “I” will retail for $27,990. To make this an even sweeter deal, Hawaiian citizens can take advantage of the Hawaii clean energy rebate of $4,500 toward the purchase along with a federal tax credit of $7,500. Thus, electric vehicle’s out-of-pocket cost comes under $16,000 after rebates and credits.

“We thank Mitsubishi Motors for choosing Hawaii as one of the first states to receive the new “i” electric car.  Electric vehicles use a fraction of the fuel needed by traditional cars, so each EV on the road means we’re reducing our dependence on imported oil and increasing our ability to reach Hawaii’s goal of 70 percent clean energy within a generation,” said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office, in a statement today.

The Mitsubishi i can be charged using the onboard household charger through either 120V or 240V power sources or by a DC quick-charger system that utilizes a three-phase 220V power supply (80% charge in 30 minutes). The charging times from a very low battery to completely full are approximately 6 hours at 240V and 22.5 hours at 120V. Mitsubishi is targeting a driving range of 85 miles for the vehicle.

Hawaiian consumers can start reserving vehicles April 22.