Mitsubishi’s first mass-market EV here in 2026

Mitsubishi Motors Australia has announced its first mass-market battery-electric vehicle will enter local showrooms in the second half of 2026, though it won’t technically be an Alliance product.

The product of a new strategic partnership between Mitsubishi and Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, the milestone model will be developed by Foxtron Vehicle Technologies and produced by Yulon Motors – in Taiwan – for the Japanese auto brand which will then import and distribute it around Australia and New Zealand via its established dealer network.

Details of the vehicle are predictably thin on the ground for now, though Mitsubishi has confirmed the model was teased as part of its electrified product preview in June last year which revealed eight electrified models will be launched here by the end of the decade.

“This pure EV model is the latest step in our Momentum 2030 plan and offers another string to our multi-powertrain bow that will see us through to the next decade,” Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott said.

“It will join a refreshed Mitsubishi range that already offers petrol, diesel and PHEV options that fit Australian lifestyles, all with our innovative 10/10 warranty and capped price servicing plan.

“It is also further evidence of our core market relationship with MMC, with Australia the first Mitsubishi market to receive this vehicle from launch and signifies our ongoing strength.

“We have been here for 45 years, and with new and exciting products such as this, we are well placed for the next 45 and beyond.”

The timing of this announcement could not have been better for the easily amused among us given Foxconn was one of the leading candidates to merge with Nissan following the latter’s high-profile break-up with Honda late last year – can’t get the one you want, date their sibling instead!

Mitsubishi has thus far promised “excellent driving performance” from its new Taiwanese love child along with an “advanced infotainment system” that could put the brand’s current – and perfectly functional – set-up in the shade.

It’s worth noting this new partnership is in addition to the ongoing synergies Mitsubishi has with its Alliance partners – Renault and Nissan – and to that end, the brand has confirmed a second EV aimed primarily at North America will be leveraged from the next-generation Nissan Leaf and also launch in the second half of next year.

“This BEV model is part of Mitsubishi Motors’ product strategy through 2030 for the U.S market, which was announced last year,” head office said.

“The company is also exploring further collaboration opportunities, including potential expansion into Australia and other markets.”

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