Ok folks. Mark the date. Mitsubishi has launched production of the iMiev, the first major automaker to start full scale production of a new EV. Although the EV1 and other non-starters will go down in history as footnotes, I think this day will be seen as a watershed moment. Other car companies are sure to follow with Subaru already announcing its Stella.

Mitsubishi launched series production of its iMiEV electric car today at its Okayama, Japan factory. Mitsubishi is the first of the major automakers to kick off full scale production of a new EV and will be followed by most other automakers over the next two years. The automaker plans to build about 2,000 units through the remainder of this fiscal year and then crank that up to 5,000 next year. The first cars are going to corporate fleet customers but retail sales are expected to start later in the year.

The iMiEV has a range of about 100 miles from its lithium ion battery pack. The batteries are produced by a joint venture between Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa. With the government incentives available in Japan, the iMiEV will cost about $31,300 at current exchange rates which is a bit higher than the $27,000 price previously rumored. No decision has been made yet on when the car will be offered in the U.S. market, but we do know it will make its way here sometime. First, Mitsubishi needs to develop a production left-hand drive version.