2012 Mitsubishi i Top Fuel Economy Car in EPA Fuel Guide
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) just released their annual Fuel Economy Guide. Topping the list? The 2012 Mitsubishi i electric car.
With a combined rating of 112 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), the Mitsubishi i leads all vehicles for fuel efficiency. It’s not just a win for Mitsubishi—it’s a huge moment for electric vehicles in general.
What Makes the Mitsubishi i So Efficient?
This electric vehicle boasts 126 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway. That beats out every other model in the guide, gas-powered or electric. The small, lightweight design and battery system give it an edge when it comes to energy consumption.
Even more important? It’s affordable. With a base price under $30,000 before tax incentives, the Mitsubishi i puts electric driving within reach for more Americans.
Guide Offers More Than Rankings
The 2013 Fuel Economy Guide isn’t just about top cars. It also gives consumers tools to compare gas mileage, annual fuel costs, and emissions across hundreds of makes and models. The EPA updates the guide every year to reflect current models and real-world driving estimates.
This year’s guide also includes:
- Best and worst fuel economy performers in multiple categories
- Tips to boost fuel efficiency
- Info on alternative fuels and technologies, including hybrids and EVs
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson emphasized how the guide empowers people. “The more efficiently you drive, the more money you save, and the less pollution you produce,” she said.
EVs Continue to Gain Ground on the EPA Fuel Guide
The Mitsubishi i’s top rating reinforces a broader trend: electric vehicles are making real gains. Several EVs made the top 10 list, including the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric.
These high-MPGe ratings are part of a push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut oil dependence. The EPA and DOE hope more consumers will consider switching to clean transportation options.
Find the Guide Online or at Dealers
The Fuel Economy Guide is available for free at www.fueleconomy.gov. Printed copies are also available at most car dealerships. Consumers can search by model, class, or fuel type and even personalize results based on their driving habits.
The online version also allows drivers to:
- Compare old and new vehicle performance
- Track fuel costs over time
- Learn about electric charging and hybrid systems
A Win for Green Drivers
As gas prices remain unpredictable, fuel-efficient options matter more than ever. The Mitsubishi i sets a strong example of what’s possible when automakers invest in clean, smart design.
Electric vehicles aren’t the future—they’re the now.
Source: Mitsubishi Cars, CYPRESS, California, November 17, 2011
