Tokyo green news: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo

After years in the wilderness, the self-employed finally have an electric supermini estate they can call their own thanks to this, the i-MiEV Cargo.

What's all the fuss about?

The i-MiEV cargo technically opens up a whole new segment, which for now we'll call the 'electric supermini tourer'. Essentially, it's an i-MiEV with a big box on the back, so while it only seats two it will accommodate their every luggage need... sort of: the box on the back measures 1,350- by 1,180- by 1,100 millimetres, which isn't actually that big.

What makes it so green?

Its electric drivetrain, which blesses it with zero-emissions driving. We've driven the regular i-MiEV and actually found it a highly impressive city car because it's about as normal as could be expected from an electric car with those looks. Mitsubishi didn't really say much about this version because it speaks for itself - it's clearly designed for the same people currently driving around London in those abominable electric delivery vans.

When can I buy one?

Mitsubishi doesn't say, but given its remit for business users and the fact the i-MiEV is already on sale, we'd bank on seeing this early next year. If you're a painter decorator, we bet you can barely lift your brush with excitement right now.

Mark Nichol