Hawaii was one of four states chosen by Mitsubishi for the North American launch of its new electric car in November, the automaker announced yesterday.

The Mitsubishi "i" will carry a suggested retail price of $27,990, but with $12,000 worth of federal and state tax credits, the effective price will drop to just under $16,000 in Hawaii.

Mitsubishi is the third major automaker to offer a mass-produced electric vehicle in Hawaii. Nissan was first with the Leaf in January, followed by Chevrolet with the Volt.

Mitsubishi’s electric car is priced below the Leaf at about $33,000 and the Volt at $40,000, both before tax credits. But at 145 inches long with a curb weight of 2,595 pounds, the Mitsubishi i is significantly smaller. The Leaf is 175 inches long and weighs 3,354 pounds, while the Volt measures 177 inches and tips the scales at 3,781 pounds.

Mitsubishi said the i will be available for test drives at Cutter Mitsubishi in Aiea "later this fall." It expects the first vehicles will be available for purchase in November in Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington.

"We thank Mitsubishi Motors for choosing Hawaii as one of the first states to receive the new i electric car," said Estrella Seese, acting energy program administrator for the state energy office.

Hawaii residents can go to a Mitsubishi website, i.MitsubishiCars.com, and put down a refundable deposit of $299 to reserve a car. Mitsubishi said it will waive the $99.99 home electrical inspection fee for the first 2,000 people who place a reservation and purchase one of the cars.