Pint-size Mitsubishi EV snuffed out by ADR compliance costs

Mitsubishi Motors Australia has joined fellow Japanese brand and Renault alliance member Nissan in calling for a reform of the Australian Design Rule (ADR) compliance process, which it says is too costly to introduce the tiny Mitsubishi eK X electric SUV here.

In a press statement issued today, Mitsubishi said ADR compliance costs are prohibitively expensive and cited the pint-size electric kei-car, which could otherwise have become Australia’s cheapest EV, as an example.

While it didn’t rule out the local release of the eK X in future, Mitsubishi said it would be “uneconomic” to introduce the pint-size electric SUV “in its current form” due to the amount of time and money required to make it ADR-compliant.

According to the triple-diamond brand, Australia’s upcoming 2025 New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) provides the ideal opportunity for the federal government to overhaul its costly and lengthy new-vehicle type approval process, given the vast number of emissions-compliant models that are available overseas but being delayed or even prevented from being offered in Australia.

“The largest barrier to Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) introducing these vehicles is the lengthy Australian Type Approval process,” said Mitsubishi in a statement.

“Depending on the vehicle, this process can take anywhere from 18-24 months. This factors in the time taken to obtain international type approvals in the first instance, undertaking development and obtaining compliance information for additional unique Australian ADRs, as well as production and shipping time.

“MMAL would support an Australian Government reform program, and suggests consideration of a process where vehicles type approved in established global markets, such as Japan, the European Union and the UK, be accepted into Australia without needing additional unique modifications and approvals.”

Mitsubishi claims such a move would reduce processing time and vehicle development costs while supporting car-makers as they look to release more fuel-efficient vehicles in time for the implementation of the NVES on July 1, 2025.

It said the Australian government should scrap its unique requirements when it comes to vehicle design regulations and instead harmonise all ADRs in line with requirements established by the UN.

The 1958 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) agreement – with which the Australian government is a contracting party – includes ‘the Adoption of Uniform Conditions of Approval and Reciprocal Recognition of Approval for Motor Vehicle Equipment and Parts’.

“Equivalent standards in other advanced markets such as Japan, the EU, UK and other jurisdictions should also be accepted,” said Mitsubishi.

“This would further accelerate new vehicle adoption in this country, with no impact on safety.”

Nissan has also been extremely vocal about the fact various ADR issues have hampered the local introduction of its first electric SUV, the Ariya.

Top-tether child seat anchor issues for both the BYD Atto 3 and Tesla Model 3 are other high-profile examples of globally-certified cars falling foul of ADRs, while Ford has recently faced several ADR-related recalls for its locally remanufactured F-150 pick-up.

MTAA CEO Matthew Hobbs recently told carsales the federal government needed to “explain why Australia needs unique standards” when “New Zealand is happy to take safe vehicles that meet the standards of United States, Germany and France”.

“We are supportive of the change in [emissions] legislation,” he said.

“There is no concern from our product portfolio point of view that we meet the guidelines. The big question is does it have to take 20 months?”

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