Mitsubishi's 2016 iMiev, on sale next month, remains cheapest electric car on the market

Mitsubishi's 2016 iMiev will remain the cheapest electric car on the market when it goes on sale in the U.S. next month.

The tiny four-seater starts at $22,995, the same as the previous model year. With a $7,500 federal tax credit, the price drops to $15,495.

Standard features include heated front seats, remote keyless entry and an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the battery pack.

The iMiev was introduced in 2011. Two years later, Mitsubishi dropped its price by $5,000 to ensure it would be cheaper than newer entries like the electric Chevrolet Spark.

But the car hasn't been a big seller. Mitsubishi sold 196 iMievs in the U.S. last year, down 81 percent from the previous year. By comparison, Nissan sold more than 30,000 electric Leaf sedans.