Mitsubishi is making a bold return to the electric vehicle (EV) market, announcing a new battery-electric model set to launch in the United States and Canada in summer 2026. The automaker revealed this development in a press release on May 7, 2025, highlighting its collaboration with alliance partner Nissan. This move marks Mitsubishi’s re-entry into the EV space since its last offering, the i-MiEV, exited the market in 2017, reports AutoBlog.

A Strategic Alliance with Nissan

Mitsubishi’s upcoming EV will share the underpinnings of the next-generation Nissan Leaf, which is also slated to arrive later in 2025. The Leaf, introduced in its 2026 iteration in March, is described by Nissan as a “sleek and spacious family-friendly crossover.” It utilizes the CMF-EV platform, which supports the larger Nissan Ariya, offering improved range and aerodynamics. A key feature of the new Leaf is its integration with the NACS charging port, enabling access to Tesla‘s Supercharging network—a significant upgrade for EV owners seeking fast-charging options across North America.

Mitsubishi’s decision to partner with Nissan leverages this advanced platform, ensuring its unnamed EV benefits from the same technological advancements. “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,” said Mitsubishi Motors North America President and CEO Mark Chaffin in the press release.

Addressing Market Needs Amid Sales Challenges

Mitsubishi’s return comes at a critical time for the automaker, which has faced declining sales in North America. In Q1 2025, the company sold 31,637 vehicles, an 11% increase from the same period in 2024. However, according to Automotive News, Mitsubishi dealers have struggled with profitability, averaging just $434,199 in net profit last year, down significantly from previous years. Dealerships also saw net profit as a percentage of sales drop from 2.2% in 2023 to 0.92% in 2024, reflecting a challenging market environment.

The new EV aims to address these struggles by targeting affordability—a key concern for dealers. “If we get an EV that’s $40,000-plus, that won’t work,” an unnamed Mitsubishi dealer told Automotive News. “We need affordable vehicles. That’s where the market is.” Mitsubishi’s lineup, including the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Outlander Sport, and Eclipse Cross, will now be complemented by this EV, potentially broadening its appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

What to Expect from Mitsubishi’s EV

While exact details about Mitsubishi’s EV remain limited, its shared platform with the Nissan Leaf suggests a focus on practicality and efficiency. The Leaf’s updates, such as enhanced range and NACS compatibility, indicate that Mitsubishi’s model will likely offer a competitive driving range—potentially exceeding 200 miles, based on the Leaf’s historical performance—and access to over 50,000 Tesla Supercharging stations in the U.S. alone. Production-wise, the U.S.-market Nissan Leaf will be built in Smyrna, Tennessee, using components sourced from Japan, while most Mitsubishi models are currently manufactured in Japan.

A Step Toward Sustainability and Growth

Mitsubishi’s EV launch aligns with its “Momentum 2030” business plan, which commits to introducing a new or significantly revised vehicle annually between 2026 and 2030. “Today’s announcement is the first of many to come that reinforce our commitment to the U.S. market, to providing the best vehicles we can for our customers, and ensuring a long and healthy future for our company in the U.S. and globally,” Chaffin stated. This strategy not only aims to revitalize Mitsubishi’s market presence but also positions the automaker to meet growing demand for sustainable transportation options.

As Mitsubishi prepares to roll out this EV, the focus on affordability and shared technology with Nissan could help the company regain traction in the competitive EV landscape, offering a practical option for North American drivers seeking efficient, budget-friendly electric mobility.