Mitsubishi is preparing its first next-generation electric car.
US publication, Automotive News, revealed the Japanese maker will launch a new small coupe-styled electric SUV in 2026.
A source with information on the new EV told Automotive News the coming electric SUV would be similar to the new Nissan Leaf due later this year, which will tae a similar shape to 2023's Chill Out concept.
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How long will this electric car pioneer be without an EV? No more Nissan Leaf production and Ariya hold-up may see Japanese brand without a rival for Tesla Model Y or MG4 in Australia for a while
The proposed Mitsubishi electric SUV could be the replacement for the recently axed Eclipse Cross in the brand’s Australian line-up, too.
The Eclipse Cross will soon depart Mitsubishi’s local line-up as changes to Australian Design Rules (ADR) from March 1 this year meant the vehicle needed expensive upgrades to its auto emergency braking technology.
Mitsubishi Australia boss, Shaun Westcott, said the investment in re-engineering the vehicles to comply with the new ADR was not viable considering the advanced age of the vehicles.
A similar issue has led the brand to call time on the Pajero Sport 4WD and forced it to replace the current ASX with a European-sourced model.
Westcott told Carsguide recently the company would eventually fill the void left by the Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport as shown in its 'Momentum 2030' plan.
“We have a lot of good product coming, there are a number of significant new models and products in that plan. So we are actually quite excited about the next couple of years.”
This was echoed by Mitsubishi Australia's GM of product strategy and PR, Bruce Hampel.
"These nameplates will be replaced by equivalent — if you want to call it that — vehicles in the coming years," said Hampel.
This mooted electric SUV appears to be the right car to fill the void left by the Eclipse Cross.
The electric model would also help the brand navigate the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard that came into effect this year and is designed to fine carmakers for missing ever tightening CO2 emissions thresholds.
This new electric SUV is believed to ride on the same platform as the current Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya. It is also expected to underpin the new Nissan Leaf.
If it mimics the Renault it will use a 60kWh battery that delivers a driving range of about 450km and use a single 160kW/300Nm electric motor.
The Ariya comes with a similar set-up but has the added bonus of a 87kWh battery option that increases driving range and has a more potent electric motor.
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