The future might ultimately be electric, but Mitsubishi will offer a mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric to cater for all consumer tastes locally
Mitsubishi Motors Australia has teased us with its future plans, but unlike some automakers, such as Volvo, it won’t be a purely electric future.
Instead, Mitsubishi aims to expand its current lineup and will offer a trio of electrification: fully electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, all for the Australian market.
Pure electric models have been confirmed and are set to arrive between now and 2030, however Mitsubishi wouldn’t share just yet exactly what those models could be. It’s likely that the Outlander midsize SUV will go full electric in time, with the same also set to happen for the Triton ute.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s president and CEO, Takao Kato, said that “Australia is a core market for MMC… We will offer not only battery electrics but also plug-in hybrids and hybrids, and introduce appropriate products that will meet the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES)”.
Mitsubishi’s broad approach to diverse powertrains in Australia comes in contrast to the likes of Volvo who has pledged to be pure electric only in Australia by 2026.
However, Mitsubishi looks to be following in the footsteps of fellow Japanese automaker Toyota, which has recently announced it will be selling hybrid-only versions of many of its vehicle range in Australia, including for the RAV4 midsize SUV, the Kluger large SUV and the Corolla Cross small SUV.
The Japanese automaker has also teased several new models in silhouette, including what looks like a next-generation Delica people mover, as well as an assortment of SUVs.
One of these is likely to be the replacement for the existing ASX small SUV, which has proven to be a very popular option on Australian shores.
The next confirmed model in the Mitsubishi stable is still unconfirmed, but considering the current generation of the ASX is now 14 years old, the model could morph into something resembling the XFC concept which debuted in 2022.
We also know that the Mitsubishi Triton will be electrified in time and is very likely to be offered first in plug-in hybrid guise, but a full electric variant is also expected before 2030 as the anticipated Australian NVES looms.
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