Mitsubishi Motors is making a significant return to the electric vehicle market in North America with an all-new EV set to launch in summer 2026. This marks the Japanese automaker’s second fully-electric offering in the U.S. market since its pioneering but short-lived i-MiEV debuted over a decade ago.
The yet-unnamed vehicle will share its platform with Nissan’s third-generation Leaf, utilizing the advanced CMF-EV architecture that currently underpins the Nissan Ariya SUV. This strategic partnership within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance allows Mitsubishi to accelerate its EV development while keeping costs competitive.
Key Details About Mitsubishi’s New EV
Platform and Performance
- Built on Nissan’s CMF-EV platform (shared with Ariya and next-gen Leaf)
- Expected to offer up to 304 miles of range (based on Ariya’s performance)
- Likely to feature dual-motor AWD option (following Alliance trends)
Market Positioning
- Part of Mitsubishi’s “Momentum 2030” growth strategy
- Will join an electrified lineup including the popular Outlander PHEV
- Represents Mitsubishi’s commitment to offering ICE, PHEV, and BEV options
Why This Launch Matters
1. Mitsubishi’s North American Resurgence
The automaker reported an 11% year-over-year sales increase in Q1 2025, largely driven by its Outlander SUV series. This new EV could help capitalize on that momentum as consumer interest in electric vehicles continues to grow.
2. Filling a Critical Market Gap
As Mark Chaffin, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, stated:
“Our new lineup will give customers the choice of technology that best suits their needs.”
This approach acknowledges that different buyers have varying readiness levels for full electrification.
3. Manufacturing Considerations
A major unanswered question is where Mitsubishi will produce the vehicle:
- The company’s former Normal, IL plant now belongs to Rivian
- Avoiding 25% import tariffs on Japanese-built vehicles may require domestic production
- Potential for utilizing Nissan’s Smyrna, TN facility or other Alliance plants
Competitive Landscape
The new Mitsubishi EV will enter a crowded but growing segment, competing with:
- Nissan Ariya (platform sibling)
- Toyota bZ4X
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
Mitsubishi’s potential advantages could include:
- More affordable pricing than the Ariya
- Unique styling and packaging
- Enhanced off-road capabilities (leveraging Mitsubishi’s 4WD heritage)
What We’re Still Waiting to Learn
Mitsubishi has been tight-lipped about specific details, leaving several key questions unanswered:
- Exact battery size and charging capabilities
- Pricing strategy (likely between 35,000−35,000−45,000)
- Production location and capacity
- Unique selling points versus Nissan-badged counterparts
The Bigger Picture: Mitsubishi’s Electrification Roadmap
This launch represents just the beginning of Mitsubishi’s renewed electrification push. The company has committed to introducing:
- A new or significantly revised model every year from 2026-2030
- Multiple EV options across segments
- Continued development of PHEV technology
For consumers, this means more choices from a brand known for capable, affordable vehicles. For the industry, it signals that even smaller automakers are making serious commitments to electrification.
