Mitsubishi wants to be a leader with zero-emission cars like the i-MIEV. Photo Gallery

The man who wants to put plug-in electric cars in Australian garages reckons buyers need incentives.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia boss, Robert McEniry is urging Federal and state governments to back all-electric cars, which are already in use in many countries.

McEniry's views have gained some support from the car industry's peak body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

The chamber's chief executive, Andrew McKellar, says the whole EV issue "is clearly on our agenda".

However, he shies away from promoting any up-front tax incentives to lure buyers into EV cars.

"Such incentives could lead to a distortion in the marketplace," he says.

"We'd much prefer to see the marketplace dictate how these cars go."

At present there are few incentives for private buyers to choose alternative-powered cars like hybrids or all-electric cars.

McKellar says EVs face some hurdles, including infrastructure development to help push widespread buyer acceptance.

He believes, green tax incentives and parking incentives would go some way to accelerating buyer interest.

Next month Mitsubishi Australia will bring in two plug-in i-MIEV electric cars for evaluation and Subaru is also showing off one of its electric cars.

McEniry says the company wants to be a leader with zero-emission cars like the i-MIEV.

"A lot of people are talking about them but we want to take a leadership position with this new technology," he says.

The electric revolution is here and Australia needs to step up, he says.

McKellar accepts that technology is driving change in the car industry.

"It is important that the industry is starting preparatory work with government," he says.

The FCAI is pushing for talks between government and those car brands with electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi Australia has wasted little time in securing the all-electric i-MIEV four seater for evaluation.

The car is due to go on sale in Japan soon with a local roll out as early as next year.

Mitsubishi is not talking price for the i-MIEV but it is likely to cost more than $25,000.

"Every manufacturer will have an electric car at some stage," McEniry says.

"But we want to leverage it."

Subaru is also testing the local market, bringing in the Stella EV car in for appraisal before the Melbourne Motor Show.

Subaru spokesman, David Rowley, says the company is happy with a "cohesive industry approach" by the FCAI on EV cars.

Mitsubishi Australia's i-MIEV initiative is not getting any financial support from Japan to do the i-MIEV evaluation.

"We're doing this ourselves, but with the endorsement of Japan," McEniry says.

"If the feasibility study is positive, which we're pretty certain it will be, then Mitsubishi will come into play."

McEniry says the i-MIEV will be shown to state and local governments, key stakeholders and green companies, including power companies, in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

It will also be part of Mitsubishi's Melbourne Motor Show display, which kicks off on February 27.