The 2026 EV uses Nissan’s CMF-EV platform and is part of Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 plan

 Mitsubishi is set to re-enter the US electric vehicle market with a new EV based on the upcoming third-generation Nissan Leaf. Scheduled for launch in North America next summer, the still-unnamed vehicle will mark Mitsubishi’s second all-electric entry in the US following the now-retired i-MiEV.

The new EV will ride on the CMF-EV platform—the same underpinnings used in Nissan’s Ariya SUV. That platform supports a range of up to 304 miles on a single charge, although Mitsubishi hasn’t released official range figures or technical specs for its own version.

This new model is part of Mitsubishi’s broader “Momentum 2030” growth strategy, which commits the company to releasing either a new or significantly updated vehicle every year through the end of the decade. According to Mark Chaffin, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, this signals a turning point for the brand: “Mitsubishi is on an upward trajectory, especially in the US.”

Indeed, sales rose 11 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, with much of that growth driven by strong demand for the Outlander SUV, particularly its plug-in hybrid variant.

While the rebadged Leaf-based EV marks a revival of Mitsubishi’s electric ambitions in the US, many key questions remain unanswered. The company has yet to announce a name, provide performance details, or clarify where the EV will be manufactured.

That last point could prove pivotal. Mitsubishi once operated a factory in Normal, Illinois, but that site is now under Rivian’s ownership. And with 25 percent import tariffs still in effect on Japanese-made vehicles under US trade policy—implemented during the Trump administration—the automaker may need to localise production to remain competitive.

In the meantime, the EV will serve as a critical test of Mitsubishi’s ability to navigate a market dominated by Tesla, Ford, and a growing number of Asian automakers. Its decision to align with Nissan’s Leaf reboot—an EV with strong name recognition and proven infrastructure—could ease its path back into the American electric vehicle segment.

Chaffin emphasised that Mitsubishi’s future portfolio will blend internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric models to offer consumers a wide range of powertrain choices. This diversified approach echoes the strategy of Japanese peers like Toyota and Honda, who remain cautious about an all-in EV transition.

Still, industry analysts note that Mitsubishi must differentiate its Leaf-based EV if it hopes to stand out. While the Leaf brand carries a legacy, it also comes with baggage: the current generation, though reliable, has fallen behind newer competitors in range and technology.

A clear branding strategy, distinctive design, and competitive pricing will be key. And with its first electric release since the i-MiEV, Mitsubishi will need to show that it has learned from past mistakes and is ready to meet American EV buyers where they are—demanding, tech-savvy, and increasingly price-conscious.

Mitsubishi’s “Momentum 2030” will unfold against a backdrop of rapid EV innovation and tightening emissions regulations. Whether this new Leaf-based model becomes a core pillar of that strategy or fades into obscurity will likely be determined in the critical months following its debut next year.