Mitsubishi has put too much effort into making the i-MiEV electric car to just sell it in Japan and parts of Europe. They are also sending the car to America.

But they are cautious and will send it first to Hawaii as well as the United States’ western coastal states of California, Washington, and Oregon from the end of November this year. Then if everything was alright, by the end of 2012 it’ll become available nationwide and also in Canada.

The US-Spec i-MiEV features new front and rear bumpers for enhanced protection and stability along with a larger body. It also has more torque, so it should be a bit better to drive. But at the end of the day, it is an electric, fairly ugly, urban commuter. So don’t expect much.

One other difference that the American i-MiEV has over its European version is the safety features. The car comes with an advanced airbag system that detects passengers’ seating position and controls deployment force, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to conform to North American safety requirements.

North American i-MiEV Basic Specifications
Length     :3,675mm
Width     :1,585mm
Height      :1,615mm
Tread (front/rear)     :1,420mm/1,380mm
Max Torque <net>     :196 N?m/rpm