Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. and consumer electronics retailer Best Buy have teamed up to provide logistical facilities for Mitsubishi Motors' anticipated fleet of electrical vehicles.
The logistical support will be required for Mitsubishi's "i," which is expected to hit the market during the fall of 2011. The four-door North American vehicle will have no tailpipe emissions and will run on a lithium-ion battery system and an all-electric motor.
For retail consumers, Best Buy will provide site analysis and help in the upgrade of electrical infrastructure at home, while Eaton will provide both the electrical infrastructural support and Level 2 chargers to Mitsubishi's dealerships.
Eaton will oversee both the design and manufacturing of the Level 2 charging stations, which will be sold by Best Buy retailers to customers of the "I," and will be the exclusive supplier and installer of these charging stations.
Mitsubishi's "i" will retail for an estimated $30,000, but that cost will likely drop by at least $10,000 as a result of government incentives. When connected to a 220-volt charger, the "i" will take between six to eight hours to charge. Faster chargers with a higher voltage will also be available, at a premium cost, which can recharge the car in 30 minutes.
The vehicle will first be debuted in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii next November, before expanding into the Northeast in March 2012 and nationwide by the end of 2012.
