Although the miniscule Mitsubishi i MiEV electric car isn't headed for American showrooms, a handful are destined for two electric utilities in California.

Both Southern California Edison and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company will receive i MiEVs within the next year.  Both companies hope to offer feedback to Mitsubishi on how the cars perform in the U.S, although SCE also plans on testing the impact of re-charging the i MiEV on today's power grid.

Mitsubishi hasn't indicated if it plans on bringing the electric i to the U.S, but it's interesting to note that prior to the Japanese launch of the i MiEV (which is currently underway), the car was extensively tested by Japanese utilities.  If the car does go on sale on this continent, expect to see a price tag equal or above the $25,000 sticker it carries in Japan.