Mitsubishi revealed it remains on track with its U.S. product plans, partnering with beleaguered Nissan, to produce a new electric vehicle based off the next-generation Nissan Leaf. It’s set to arrive in summer 2026.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf will be the basis of Mitsubishi’s next new vehicle, slated to arrive next summer.
The two Japanese automakers are two-thirds of an alliance with French automaker Renault so the two working together at a time when both are struggling makes sense. Specifically, Mitsubishi plans to introduce a new or “significantly revised” vehicle each year between 2026 and 2030. It’s been dubbed Momentum 2030.
Although company officials confirmed there was an EV coming, they provided few other details, saying only more information about the name, technical specifications, pricing and final arrival time would “be the subject of future announcements.”
Mitsubishi’s revival
Once a popular brand in the U.S., it’s been little more than a niche offering during the past decade. In fact, there was speculation it might leave the U.S. market altogether. However, officials have refuted that, starting with the opening of new Mitsubishi North America corporate offices in Franklin, Tennessee a few years ago.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf migrates to an SUV design.
“Mitsubishi Motors is on an upward trajectory, especially in the United States,” said Mark Chaffin, president and CEO, MMNA. “When we launched the Momentum 2030 long-term business plan to our dealer partners last May, there was a buzz in the room about an exciting future, but there was a desire for more concrete timing and plans.
“Today’s announcement is the first of many to come that reinforce our commitment to the U.S. market, to providing the best vehicles we can for our customers, and ensuring a long and healthy future for our company in the U.S. and globally.”
That push to reestablish its presence in the U.S. came to the fore with the introduction of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV models in 2024. The Outlander received some minor updates for the 2025 model year.
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What’s next
While the Outlander’s been a moderate success, especially with buyers looking for a lower-priced alternative in the highly competitive — and pricey — midsize SUV segment. It’s just the beginning of the brand’s plans.
Mitsubishi plans to introduce a new or “significantly revised” vehicle each year between 2026 and 2030.
The path to Mitsubishi Motors Momentum 2030 is defined by four key points:
- A path to electrification
- A path to a renewed and expanded product line-up that will strengthen Mitsubishi Motors in North America
- A path to a modernized retail sales model
- A path to network expansion and sales growth
“Momentum 2030 is more than a business plan, it is a rallying cry for our company, for our employees, for our dealer partners, and for our loyal and new customers,” Chaffin noted. “Our plan is clear, our path is mapped out. The addition of this new battery-electric vehicle to our lineup will deliver a blend of internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, so that our customers have the choice of technology that best suits their needs.”
New old partner
Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 will see several more vehicles hit the U.S.
On the surface, teaming with Nissan makes sense — for both companies. However, it wasn’t that long ago Mitsubishi was rumored to be mulling a departure from its alliance with Nissan. Reportedly, during its talks with Honda about a possible merger, Nissan officials were told it would need to fully split with Renault.
That left Mitsubishi officials wondering where they stood in the deal. They were concerned the company would not be able to influence elements of the merger, Mitsubishi’s small size preventing it from having as much control as the other two companies in the newly combined entity.
Mitsubishi also wanted to maintain the high level of independence it has in the current arrangement with Nissan allowing the company to maintain a high level of freedom in the existing partnership. However, the talks with Honda fell through, taking with them Mitsubishi’s concerns.
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