Mitsubishi will introduce an electric vehicle based on the Nissan Leaf

In 2012, Mitsubishi introduced the iMiEV hatchback, marking an early entry into the electric vehicle market. With its 62-mile range, 80 mph top speed, and 13.0-second zero-to-60 mph time, the iMiEV was sadly little more than a glorified golf cart.

Mitsubishi now plans to introduce a new electrified vehicle with far greater potential. A new electric vehicle based on the Nissan Leaf will be released in North America next year, the Japanese automaker announced today.

Nissan has unveiled plans for a completely new Leaf for the 2026 model year, despite the fact that the present model is out of date and has an ungainly appearance in addition to a limited range of 149 to 212 miles. Nissan says the new Leaf will have a range of over 300 miles, but this would probably need upgrading to a larger battery pack. The Leaf will change from a hatchback to a subcompact SUV about the size of the gas-powered Kicks. Nissan has also stated that the Leaf would not have all-wheel drive; instead, it will likely have a front-wheel-drive system with a single motor.

Since the Mitsubishi and the Leaf are expected to have similar powertrain options, the Mitsubishi should perform similarly and most likely adopt the shape of a small crossover. According to Nissan, the 2026 Leaf will have a NACS charging connector, which will enable it to connect to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Mitsubishi’s EV should also have this feature.

Mitsubishi stated that the new EV will go on sale in North America in the second half of 2026, but it did not disclose any more information. Although the new EV’s name is unknown, Mitsubishi recently registered trademarks for a number of its previous brands in the US, including Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Colt, Galant, and Montero. We believe the subcompact SUV will most likely be branded as a Lancer or Colt.

Mitsubishi and Nissan have partnered to develop the model, and as part of that agreement, Mitsubishi will give Nissan its plug-in hybrid technology, which it has refined with the Outlander PHEV, for a new model in 2026. According to Nissan, the popular Rogue small SUV, which already shares its bones with the Outlander, will get a makeover that includes this plug-in hybrid.