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Mitsubishi, while one of the smaller Japanese automakers, has long been working on its electrification plans to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. The company has made several bold announcements in the past about its shift toward electrified vehicles, signaling its ambition to keep up with the competition.

Mitsubishi’s Commitment to Electrification by 2035

In 2023, Mitsubishi announced a major milestone: its entire global product lineup would be electrified by 2035. This declaration marked a significant pivot for the automaker as it sought to align itself with the global push for sustainable mobility. By 2024, reports emerged that Mitsubishi had teamed up with Nissan to collaborate on a few electric vehicles, showing a strategic partnership to accelerate its EV development.

As a result of these announcements, Mitsubishi has remained relatively silent about its electrification timeline-until now. A new report from Automotive News reveals that Mitsubishi’s first fully electric vehicle (EV) is expected to debut in 2026, marking a key step in its electrification journey.

First Electric Vehicle Targeted for U.S. Launch in 2026

According to Automotive News, Mitsubishi disclosed its EV plans during a brand meeting on January 26, 2025, where it announced the introduction of its first electric vehicle specifically for the U.S. market.

• Production Details: The EV will be manufactured in Japan.
• Launch Timeline: It is expected to arrive in the second half of 2026, debuting alongside a rugged version of the Outlander, adding variety to the lineup.
• Vehicle Design: The upcoming EV is described as a small SUV with coupe-inspired styling, likely drawing inspiration from Nissan’s upcoming electric replacement for the Leaf.

This new EV is set to be a crucial addition to Mitsubishi’s U.S. lineup, helping the automaker tap into the growing demand for electric SUVs in the market.

Connection to Nissan's Chill-Out Concept

Mitsubishi’s partnership with Nissan appears to play a significant role in this project. Nissan has already teased its upcoming Leaf replacement, which is expected to influence Mitsubishi’s new EV.

Nissan’s Chill-Out Concept: Nissan previewed the Leaf’s successor with its Chill-Out concept, a sleek and futuristic SUV with striking design elements, including:

• Dramatic lighting,
• Large wheels,
• Small, minimalist pillars,
• And a sweeping, coupe-like roofline.

Shared Platform: Nissan’s new EV will be based on the CMF-EV platform, the same platform used for its Ariya electric crossover. Mitsubishi’s EV is likely to share this platform, ensuring advanced engineering and cost efficiency.

Nissan’s Leaf replacement is expected to launch in late 2025, and Mitsubishi’s EV could follow shortly after, reflecting their collaboration and shared resources.

Scarce Details on Mitsubishi’s EV Specifications

Despite the excitement surrounding Mitsubishi’s first EV, the automaker has not yet revealed many specifics about the vehicle. At this time, the following details remain unknown:

• Pricing: There is no confirmation of the expected price range.
• Range and Performance: Information about battery range, charging capabilities, and overall performance is still under wraps.
• Features: Key features and trims have yet to be disclosed.

This lack of information leaves many questions unanswered, but it also builds anticipation as Mitsubishi prepares to unveil the vehicle closer to its launch.

Mitsubishi’s Future Lineup Strategy

The introduction of its first EV is part of Mitsubishi’s broader strategy to overhaul its vehicle lineup and increase its market presence. As reported by Automotive News, Mitsubishi is aiming to launch a new or updated vehicle annually from 2026 to 2030, signaling a consistent push to modernize its offerings.

This ambitious plan could help Mitsubishi:

• Attract New Buyers: Expanding its lineup with EVs and updated models may draw in younger, environmentally conscious consumers.
• Boost Sales: A refreshed lineup could improve sales performance, particularly in competitive markets like the U.S.
• Strengthen its Brand: Introducing electrified models positions Mitsubishi as a forward-thinking automaker in the EV space.

Conclusion

Mitsubishi’s decision to launch its first electric vehicle in 2026 is a significant milestone for the brand. By blending its own design philosophy with Nissan’s advanced EV platforms, the automaker is poised to deliver a competitive product in the electric SUV segment. 

While details on the EV remain scarce, this launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mitsubishi as it works to electrify its lineup and remain relevant in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

With plans to electrify its entire global lineup by 2035 and introduce updated models annually, Mitsubishi is setting a clear course for its future, with its first EV leading the charge.