Mitsubishi boss reveals plans for electric SUV

Mitsubishi is working on an all-electric mini SUV scheduled for launch in 2020 – but the news only came to light as a result of a flying visit to South Australia's Kangaroo Island by the president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Osamu Masuko.

In conversation with Kangaroo Island's council, Masuko-san apparently referred to a small electric-powered SUV boasting a 400km range and due to arrive in global markets four years from now. This was picked up by council CEO, Andrew Boardman, who said the electric SUV would be "ideally suited to our island given its size, spread of attractions and mix of road surfaces."

Little else is known about the new project, although Mitsubishi – recently in the news for publishing false fuel economy data – is known to be anticipating an alternative-energy future with plug-in hybrids a stepping stone on the path to higher proliferation of full-electric models in the range.

Given Masuko-san has discussed the electric SUV with the Kangaroo Island council, it looks to be a strong prospect for Australia, even though the local arm, MMAL, is unlikely to have had an opportunity assess the business case for the vehicle as yet. Asked for comment, MMAL was not in a position to reveal any further information about the electric SUV.

The visit to Kangaroo Island is recognition of the local community's environmental concerns, expressed in the form of what Kangaroo Island Council Mayor Peter Clements describes as "the largest regional EV charging network in Australia, all of it powered by renewable energy."

Currently the Kangaroo Island council operates two Outlander PHEVs on its fleet and is encouraging accommodation providers to consider expanding the community's reliance on sustainable transport solutions.

Pictured (left to right): Andrew Boardman, Mr Oshikiri, Mr Matsuko, Lindsay Stark, Wendy Campagna, Craig Norris