Mitsubishi is gearing up to officially launch its i-MiEV model in the UK.

Scheduled to hit the road on December 12th, 25 of the electric cars recently arrived from Japan at Royal Portbury Docks in Bristol.

The i-MiEV is said to generate absolutely no emissions, seat four people and run for 100 miles before the need for charging its battery arises.

It can reach a top speed of 81 mph and will cost owners only 96p to fully charge, the manufacturer claims.

Once the models are ready to experience UK roads, they will be used as part of a government trial in the West Midlands.

Mitsubishi, which already sells the i-MiEV in Japan, hopes to begin European production in October of next year. It says the car has "flown out the door" with customers in Asia, while another 900 orders have already been placed for 2010.

Last month, it was announced that the lithium-ion-powered vehicle won an award at the Tokyo International Motor Show 2009.

It took the prize for most advanced technology.

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