What is it about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV that we love so much? Could it be the 112 MPGe? Or maybe it's the fact that it's the most affordable EV in the country? Quite possibly, it's because it boasts zero tailpipe emissions? Yes, we love all of those things, but what we're really excited about right now is that Mitsubishi has decided to move up the release of the 2012 i-MiEV by six months!

The 2012 Mitsubishi i is already on sale in Canada, and the initial rollout was scheduled for the end of the year here in the United States. However, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko recently announced that it will begin in July. As other EVs have already hit the market here in the United States, it seems the Japanese automaker is ready for their affordable mini electric car to hit the streets!

So what else is there to love about the 2012 i? Well to start, it's the most efficient vehicle available today, with a miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) of 112. That beats the next leading competitor by a 13 MPGe, and has a competitive electric range of about 62 miles. And, we weren't kidding when we said it was the most affordable EV available - starting at just $21,625, Mitsubishi also offers an 8-year/100,000-mile limited battery warranty, to keep you going for years to come.

So, if you like a little pep with your eco-conscious lifestyle, there's really no reason not to consider the i-MiEV. But, if you need more space, Mitsubishi has also announced that a larger electric car will soon be available in the United States. Modeled after the Mirage, Masuko confirmed that we can expect it by mid-2013.

Learn more about the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV by contacting Firkin's Mitsubishi, today. We're always happy to compare specs and trim levels, talk about safety features, optional accessories, and financing that will make the switch to an EV-lifestyle even easier.