Costa Rican government has been assertive in taking environmental initiatives, and aims to be a "Carbon offset country" that emits zero CO2, by 2021. They have high hopes in using electric cars with lithium ion batteries as transportation tools to reduce CO2 emission, and will offer exemption of custom duty as part of the preferential treatment for electric car purchasers.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV started its sales mainly to fleet customers in July of 2009, followed by the full launch in April 2010 to individual customers. In addition to high environmental performance and handling inherent to a car with a compact body, the i-MiEV has been praised for its motive power, stability, quietness and its comfortable ride.
After its launch in Japan, i-MiEV sequentially moved forward with its sales to Hong Kong, Australia, and most recently Europe – and also will began to sell its expanded model in the United States this fall.