In a world where hybrid cars seem to only extend the life of fossil fuel usage, it’s only right to give credit when a company comes up with an alternative (key word here) that does not run on dead dinosaurs at all.

Mitsubishi is that company, and recently they revealed a prototype for a full on, plug-in electric vehicle. Called the Mitsubishi i MIEV Plug-in, the new car is a test bed for a new fully electric vehicle that the company will release in 2010.

What propels the electric-powered i is a rear-mounted, permanent-magnet synchronous motor developing 63 horsepower and 133 Ft-lbs of torque. Thanks to direct drive and no transmission to soak up the power before it gets to the wheels, the MIEV is just as quick as it’s i Turbo engined sibling. Incidentally, the i Turbo’s turbocharged, 660cc three-cylinder develops 63 hp as well so the performance is only hampered by the plug-in’s extra 397 pounds of weight, and even then not by much.

Performance is adequate at 9 seconds to 60mph and a top speed of 82mph, more than enough for regular commuting.  Range is about 80-100 miles on a full charge and can be charged in about 14 hours. Ideally it would mean charge at night, drive it during the day, plug it back in when you get home but considering it is only 100 miles there’s also a Mitsubishi-built quick-charge system that replenishes 80 percent of the battery charge in just 30 minutes. Flicking the gear selector in “Eco” mode also saves energy by cutting power from 63hp to 43hp and buying you a few more miles.

Though only announced for Japan so far, the i MIEV is a clear sign of what can be done. In Japan the car will sell for roughly $24,000 when it goes on sale in 2010. The Japanese government also gives incentives for people to buy these vehicles with rebates of up to 50 percent!!  If it’s a hit in Japan it is only safe to assume it will head over here to the states.

All in all though, it’s a great system that while still in it’s infancy, is just the beginning of what can be done with electric vehicles. Performance and range need to improve quite a bit before mainstream acceptance is achieved here in the U.S. market. Until then people with enough foresight can see the benefits of an all electric vehicle right now. The future is here people, will you make the change?