After a near decade-long absence from the electric vehicle (EV) market since the discontinuation of the i-Miev in 2017, Mitsubishi is set to make a comeback. The Japanese automaker has announced plans to launch a new electric vehicle in the United States and Canada next summer. This marks a significant step in Mitsubishi’s strategy to re-establish its presence in the EV sector and cater to the growing demand for electric mobility solutions. The move signals a renewed commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with global trends towards electrification.
Mark Chaffin, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, emphasized the importance of offering customers a diverse range of powertrain options. “The addition of this new battery-electric vehicle to our lineup will deliver a blend of internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles, so that our customers have the choice of technology that best suits their needs,” Chaffin stated in a recent news release. This approach allows Mitsubishi to cater to a broad spectrum of consumer preferences and driving requirements, ensuring that customers can select the vehicle that best fits their lifestyle.
The new Mitsubishi EV will join the automaker’s existing crossover lineup in the United States, which includes the Outlander, Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, Outlander Sport, and Eclipse Cross. This expansion into the electric crossover segment reflects the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers among North American consumers, combined with the growing adoption of electric vehicles. By offering an electric crossover, Mitsubishi aims to capitalize on these converging trends and attract a new segment of environmentally conscious buyers.
Mitsubishi’s upcoming EV will be based on the latest generation Nissan Leaf, leveraging the established technology and platform of its longtime partner. This collaboration allows Mitsubishi to expedite the development and launch of its new EV, while also benefiting from Nissan’s expertise in electric vehicle engineering and manufacturing. The partnership underscores the growing trend of automakers collaborating to share resources and accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
While the official name and technical specifications of the new Mitsubishi EV are yet to be revealed, insights can be drawn from the Nissan Leaf. The Leaf, roughly three-fourths the size of the Tesla Model Y, boasts features like a Tesla-designed NACS charging port and a full-width LED light setup at the front. Its drag coefficient of 0.26 is noteworthy, surpassing the Chevrolet Equinox EV but falling slightly short of the Model Y’s 0.23. These details provide a glimpse into the potential design and performance characteristics of Mitsubishi’s new electric crossover.
It is anticipated that the Mitsubishi EV will adopt the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, ensuring compatibility with the growing NACS charging infrastructure. In terms of aesthetics, the new EV is expected to be a restyled version of the Leaf, similar to Mitsubishi’s practice of rebadging Renault models in Europe. A teaser photo of Mitsubishi’s future American model lineup suggests that the company will implement minor modifications to the Leaf’s design to create its own distinct identity. This approach allows Mitsubishi to offer a compelling EV option while leveraging the proven technology and platform of the Nissan Leaf.
The teaser photo showcasing Mitsubishi’s 2030 lineup in the United States provides valuable insights into the carmaker’s future product strategy. As part of its “Momentum 2030” business plan, Mitsubishi intends to launch “a new or significantly revised vehicle every year between 2026 and 2030.” This ambitious plan demonstrates Mitsubishi’s commitment to refreshing its product portfolio and introducing innovative vehicles to the market.
The launch of the revised 2025 Outlander SUV marked the beginning of the “Momentum 2030” plan. In addition to more crossovers, the lineup is expected to include a production version of the D:X Concept minivan, showcasing Mitsubishi’s exploration of new vehicle segments. An intriguing model in the far left corner of the teaser photo, with its distinctive light signature, suggests a potential collaboration with tech giant Foxconn. Automotive News reported that Foxconn has signed a deal to supply Mitsubishi with a new car starting next year. This partnership could lead to the development of innovative electric vehicles leveraging Foxconn’s expertise in technology and manufacturing.
The collaboration with Foxconn highlights Mitsubishi’s willingness to explore partnerships and embrace new technologies to drive its future growth. With the “Momentum 2030” plan, Mitsubishi aims to solidify its position in the North American market and offer a diverse range of vehicles that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The focus on electric vehicles, crossovers, and innovative partnerships positions Mitsubishi for success in the rapidly changing automotive landscape.
| Key Initiative | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| New EV Launch | Launch of a new electric vehicle based on the Nissan Leaf platform. | Summer 2025 |
| Momentum 2030 | Launch of a new or significantly revised vehicle every year. | 2026-2030 |
| Foxconn Partnership | Collaboration with Foxconn for the supply of a new car. | Starting Next Year |
