Mitsubishi, which has been known primarily for small, sporty cars, announced this week that it will begin selling a battery electric in the US beginning in 2011. Mitsubishi has delivered approximately 800 of the tiny MiEV electric cars to consumers and government agencies in Japan. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries and has a range of about 40 to 50 miles on a charge, which is sufficient for most ordinary commutes in Japan or the U.S, Mitsubishi officials contend.