Mitsubishi Adding Second New Model to New BEV Planned for NA in Summer 2026

Building on the May 2025 announcement of its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) for North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has confirmed a second all-new model: an off-road-focused variant of the Outlander SUV. Set to launch during the company’s Fiscal Year 2026 (April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027), this addition underscores Mitsubishi’s commitment to expanding its electrified and adventure-ready lineup under its Momentum 2030 business roadmap. The announcement was made on Mitsubishi’s site on October 14, 2025.

Unveiled to dealer partners last year, Momentum 2030 lays out Mitsubishi’s plan to transform its North American operations through electrification, product expansion, retail modernization, and network growth. The strategy has already delivered results with the successful launch of the 2025 Outlander SUV, and more innovations are on the way, including an updated Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and a new mild-hybrid powertrain debuting in 2026.

The upcoming off-road Outlander will build upon the Trail Edition package, introducing distinctive bodywork, specialized off-road drive modes, upgraded performance features, and premium interior materials. It will advance Mitsubishi’s acclaimed Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, refined from 12 Dakar Rally wins, further empowering families to explore beyond the pavement with confidence.

“Two exciting new vehicle announcements highlight the strength of our Momentum 2030 plan and the dedication of our team and dealer partners,” said Mark Chaffin, MMNA president and CEO. “With more models, more innovation, and more electrification ahead, this is just the beginning.”

MMNA operates through nearly 330 dealer partners across the U.S., with plans for further expansion as interest from major dealer groups grows. The company’s Momentum 2030 vision includes:

• Advancing electrification across the lineup
• Expanding and refreshing its product range
• Modernizing retail operations
• Growing its dealer network and sales presence

For more information, visit MitsubishiCars.com

EVinfo.net’s Take: A New Mitsubishi BEV Would be Most Welcome in America

The forthcoming BEV will represent Mitsubishi’s second fully electric model in North America, a milestone that couldn’t come at a better time. With consumer demand for EVs growing and more drivers seeking efficient, reliable alternatives to internal combustion, Mitsubishi’s re-entry into the segment fills a clear gap in its lineup.

What’s missing from the US EV industry are practical, small, and affordable electric cars designed for everyday commuters. These vehicles don’t need to boast impressive range or sports car performance. For millions of drivers, a dependable EV that costs under $25,000, and can charge overnight at home would make electric driving both realistic and appealing.

Mitsubishi is known for affordable cars. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is among the last of a dying breed, a cheap ICE subcompact hatchback, starting at $18,015. The 2025 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is an ICE (internal combustion engine) sedan version of the Mirage, starting at approximately $19,115.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV: A Pioneer That Arrived Too Early

Before electric vehicles became mainstream, Mitsubishi Motors took a bold step into the future with the i-MiEV. First sold in the United States for the 2012 model year, the compact four-passenger hatchback was one of the earliest fully electric production cars available to American drivers. Its name, short for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, captured the company’s forward-thinking vision, but despite its pioneering spirit, the i-MiEV struggled to find traction in the U.S. market and was discontinued after 2017.

Originally designed as a “kei” car for Japan’s narrow city streets, the i-MiEV was adapted for American roads with only minor changes. It featured a rear-mounted electric motor powered by a modest 16-kWh battery pack. Performance was practical but far from thrilling: the i-MiEV could reach a top speed of about 80 mph, and the U.S. EPA rated its range at just 62 miles per charge, figures that limited its appeal for most daily commuters.

What the i-MiEV lacked in range and power, it made up for in affordability. At launch, it was among the cheapest electric vehicles on the market, giving early adopters an accessible entry point into EV ownership. However, as competitors like the Nissan Leaf arrived offering more range, comfort, and technology, the i-MiEV’s minimalist design and limited capabilities became harder to justify.

Still, the i-MiEV deserves recognition for what it represented: a bold experiment that helped pave the way for the wave of EV innovation that followed. Though it may not have been a commercial success, the i-MiEV proved Mitsubishi’s willingness to take risks, and it laid the groundwork for the more advanced and capable electric models the company is preparing to launch in the years ahead.

The i-MiEV is also symbolic of the fast-moving, incredible progress EVs have made in a short period of time. For comparison, the Lucid Air Grand Touring currently has the best range, with an EPA-estimated 512 miles for the 2025 model year. Other EVs with long ranges include the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT (493 miles). Although these are more expensive models, this gives you an idea of how far EVs have come with looking at the 62 miles the i-MiEV offered. The 2027 Chevy Bolt EV will start at $28,595 and offer a 255 GM-estimated mile range.