Looking at three EVs that have been on sale for at least two years, Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-Miev and Chevy Volt, sales have more than double since 2012. May 2014 sales were 4,816 while in May 2012 they were 2,275. Add in compliance EVs like the Fiat 500e, Honda Fit EV and Chevy Spark EV, plus other EVs now on the market and monthly sales exceed 5,000.
The i-Miev sold 35 cars versus 3,117 for the Leaf. Leafs can be leased for $199 a month, Volts $269 a month, i-Mievs have no lease rate. Cadillac and BMW both released new EVs this spring, both have lease rates available. Manufacturers are rolling out some very low lease rates in May, June and July to get rid of 2014 inventory before the 2015 models arrive. Mitsubishi launches the i-Miev in April 2014, calls it a 2014 model and does even offer a lease rate by June.
Mitsubishi has done one thing correct; it has priced their EV at a price (including federal tax credit) that is less than ICE models (like the Lancer). Now if they would just market the lowest price EV on the market and provide some lease rates I think sales would take off. Autotrader.com shows a total of 81 i-Mievs available nationwide. Factor out the cars on the west coast and there are 23 available. Do they have more available? Don't know and neither do the dealers. I asked a Chicago dealer when his other cars would arrive and his response was September, hopefully. He had no information on how long it would take to order and get a car. Looking at what CA dealers are charging, they must also think there is a very limited supply.
The 2014 is a better EV, better equipped, and better priced. Too bad marketing remains the same, poor.
Archie
The i-Miev sold 35 cars versus 3,117 for the Leaf. Leafs can be leased for $199 a month, Volts $269 a month, i-Mievs have no lease rate. Cadillac and BMW both released new EVs this spring, both have lease rates available. Manufacturers are rolling out some very low lease rates in May, June and July to get rid of 2014 inventory before the 2015 models arrive. Mitsubishi launches the i-Miev in April 2014, calls it a 2014 model and does even offer a lease rate by June.
Mitsubishi has done one thing correct; it has priced their EV at a price (including federal tax credit) that is less than ICE models (like the Lancer). Now if they would just market the lowest price EV on the market and provide some lease rates I think sales would take off. Autotrader.com shows a total of 81 i-Mievs available nationwide. Factor out the cars on the west coast and there are 23 available. Do they have more available? Don't know and neither do the dealers. I asked a Chicago dealer when his other cars would arrive and his response was September, hopefully. He had no information on how long it would take to order and get a car. Looking at what CA dealers are charging, they must also think there is a very limited supply.
The 2014 is a better EV, better equipped, and better priced. Too bad marketing remains the same, poor.
Archie