Electric Dream: It's Go time

It's Go time

The release of i-MiEV to Australian Mitsubishi retailers is now just weeks away. So regardless of whether these blogs have you bolting to Mitsubishi with your cheque book, or you still think that I'm embellishing a glorified gold-cart, it's up to you to try it out and see for yourselves why I have come to love life electric.

It's for this reason that, over the next few weeks I would like to spend time summing up my Electric Dream: what I have liked and what I could have lived without.

LIKED:
1. The dollars: My weekly schedule sees me do about 250-300km with electric assistance. I usually charge it three or four times per week (two full charge; two top ups) and this has added about $80 a month to my electricity bill. This means I am zipping all over Melbourne for around $20 per week! When was the last time petrol cars covered 300km with $20? 1920?

2. The maintenance: Have you ever had a check up at the dentist to be told that everything is looking perfect, so there are no needles required? Nope, neither have I, but I'm pretty sure it would feel just like it did when my mechanic friends complimented the gleaming condition of the car I have driving around for four months. Yep, I can guarantee you won't miss any of those random grunts, squeaks and churns that are the key indicators of a petrol car that hasn't been serviced for a while. Besides careful driving and replacing the battery every 10 years, you can drive happy knowing that the money you save on servicing can send you on a holiday.

3. The size: If reverse parallel parking on a busy road makes you hyperventilate, this car is your solution. Zipping through traffic is a breeze and you will always get the prime-parking spot that no one else could squeeze into. Despite the small size, the car's interior is surprisingly spacious, with the battery hidden under the seats. The i-MiEV has plenty of room for four adults and shopping.

4. i-hooked: For individuals whose every appliance begins with an 'i-' and is the latest in its technology, you and the i-MiEV are meant to be. Without blowing the budget on aftermarket accessories, you can enjoy Bluetooth, satellite navigation and an impressive LCD screen. No doubt more applications will be available soon, so stay tuned.

And last but definitely not least…

5. The environment: Whether you think global warming is a load of hot air or not, there is no doubting that more EVs on the road will mean less emissions and a happier environment.  Big businesses such as Carsales, Google and RACV have all jumped on board for a greener future, as corporate interest grows electric.  Now, as the price of the car drops over the next few months it's a great time for households to take charge and find out what the i-MiEV can do for you.