CompactCar
Latest
Mitsubishi i MiEV priced to move, rolls out slowly across US
Mitsubishi promised a fall 2011 launch for the i MiEV here in the US, and we're happy to report the company is right on schedule -- so long as you live in California, Oregon, Washington, or Hawaii. Those states will be the first to see the subcompact at the dealership this November. The all-electric car will make its debut in the northeastern US by March of next year, with the a nationwide rollout expected by December 2012. The basic ES model will start at $27,990, while the SE demands $29,990 for luxuries like a leather covered steering wheel and "upgrade[d] seating material." Both are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, which could push the price of entry down to just above $20,000 -- making the Mitsubishi i almost as easy on your wallet as it is on the Earth. PR after the break.
Tata Motors' Nano lights up the streets of Mumbai
Indeed, there is a time in every product's life-cycle when it has its birth announcement, when it steps out into the world for the first time, and when it bursts into flames -- and Tata's Nano is no exception. According to Indian Autos Blog, the manufacturer is particularly well known for its combustible motorcars these days -- back in 2009, three Nanos caught fire, and now we have pictures of the latest to go into flames, courtesy of an insurance agent Satish Sawant. Apparently, the auto dealership was delivering the vehicle to its new owner when a motorcyclist overtook the driver to get his attention -- just like that old episode of CHiPs. Since the engine is behind the driver, he had no idea that it had caught fire at some point on his journey. Who would have thought that a $2,500 vehicle would be plagued with problems? Let's just hope they get 'em sorted before the Nano EV hits the streets.
Tata Nano EV represents the feasible side of our electric future
Oh sure, this might not accelerate to ludicrous speed in 3 seconds flat, and it might not look like something Jules Verne brought back from the future, but it is the one electro-vehicular concept we can reliably expect to see hit retail in 2011. Indian carmaker Tata promised us an eco-friendly version of its ultra-affordable Nano, and what you see above is the corporeal fulfillment of that pledge. Our comrades at Autoblog report that the Nano EV will go into production alongside the Indica Vista EV and should be available to buy at some point next year. As far as we're concerned, when it comes to cars other people have to drive, this might be at the very top of our list. See more of it after the break.
