Two shiny, new Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars arrived in Brisbane’s ports last week to a curious media gathering, ready to be put into showrooms in preparation for sales this Winter (Summer in the Northern Hemisphere).

Mitsubishi are remaining tight-lipped about pricing in Australia, but estimations are that the vehicle will be available for sale in September for as much as $50,000 AUD ($46,000 USD).

Mitsubishi are proudly announcing that they’re the first manufacturer to bring a ready-to-sell electric car to the Australian market – and that certainly would be something to be proud of – if it were true.

Enter the “Electron” from Australia’s own professional conversion company, Blade Electric Vehicles.
Based on a very normal-looking Hyundai hatchback called the Getz, the Electron manages a 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) time of 7 seconds and a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).

The average range of the Electron isn’t too bad either with a typical 100 kilometres (62 miles) from full to empty. In your average Australian city this is a perfectly useful range to get you to work, back home, and out to the shops without worrying about plugging in.

The only letdown with the Electron is the cost. At $48,000 AUD ($44,000 USD) the locally assembled Electron is only a tiny fraction cheaper than Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV. The i-MiEV also has the advantage of an average minimum range of 160 kilometres per charge (99 miles).

Both cars have had the media crawling all over them, shouting high praise for both quality and driveability. Each vehicle also comes with an extensive warranty. This means if you want a “factory” electric car in Australia now (well, September at least), and if you can afford to pay for it, then you have a choice.

Here are the specs on the two electric cars about to go head-to-head downunder. Take your pick: