ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW MITSUBISHI LEAF?
It’ll likely go with a new name, but Mitsubishi Motors confirms it’ll sell an all-electric vehicle based on the next-generation Nissan LEAF.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. confirmed the next step in its business plan, dubbed Momentum 2030, promises the launch of "a new or significantly revised vehicle every year between 2026 and 2030." One key development: Mitsubishi will work with Nissan to bring a battery electric vehicle (BEV) based on the next-generation Nissan LEAF, and will be available starting around the summer 2026.
By Roy Nakano
Thu, May 8, 2025 01:00 AM PST
Featured image above: Mitsubishi Motors released a teaser photograph of its Momentum 2023 line-up, which included its version of the next-generation Nissan LEAF. It's seen here sporting the three-diamond Mitsubishi logo (Mitsubishi Motors photograph).
Mitsubishi says further details about the vehicle, including naming, imagery, technical specifications, pricing and exact on-sale timing will be the subject of future announcements. But the company released a teaser photo of its new lineup, and it shows a vehicle that clearly looks like the new LEAF, except it has the three-diamond Mitsubishi logo up front.
Nissan has already provided some key information about the next-generation LEAF, including a targeted range of 300 miles, incorporation of Tesla’s North American Charging System (NACS), and a crossover SUV design. We can expect Mitsubishi’s version to carry these same attributes.
Naming Mitsubishi’s Version of the LEAF
While the name of Mitsubishi’s version of the LEAF has not been made public, there are several ways the company can go. Manufacturers like to resurrect model names from its past. Among other reasons, the company likely has maintained ownership rights to the names.
So, Mirage EV, Lancer EV, or Colt EV may be under consideration—all names in the Mitsubishi heritage portfolio. Or maybe Mitsubishi will borrow the name attributed to its five-year business plan—Momentum. We’ll have to wait until the Mitsubishi management emerges from its car-naming conclave before we know the answer.
The Critical Lack of Low-Cost EVs
The availability of low cost EVs took a major hit when Chevrolet discontinued its Bolt EV at the end of the 2023 model year. That vehicle had an EPA range conservatively rated at 259 miles, and carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $27,495 when it was discontinued. With the federal tax credit, it meant you could purchase the Bolt EV for under $20,000. The Bolt’s exit left the somewhat outdated second-generation $29,280 Nissan LEAF S holding up the bottom end of the EV spectrum.
The availability of Mitsubishi’s new EV means there will be more choices for American consumers seeking a low-cost electric vehicle. Along with the new Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi’s version of the LEAF, Chevrolet is expected to release its next-generation Bolt EV in the 2026 model year.
Avoiding the Tariffs
Assembly of Mitsubishi’s new car is expected to be at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee factory, which means it should be able to avoid the import taxes (tariffs) looming over the industry. All three EVs are expected to be assembled in the United States.
The Bottom Line
Less certain is whether the $7,500 tax credit will continue to be in place for EVs built in North America. In the event the federal tax credit is rescinded, the State of California has pledged to step in with comparable Zero Emissions Vehicle rebates. Funding for the state rebate will be drawn from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which itself is funded by polluters under the state's cap-and-trade program.
If the state follows through with its pledge, Californians may have at least three very competitive EVs in the low $20,000 price range come 2026.
About The Author
Roy Nakano gave birth to LACar in the late '90s, having previously delivered LA Audio File back in the '80s. Aside from the occasional review, Roy likes to stray off the beaten automotive path: "Six Degrees of Reparations" reflected on the regretful ethical paths taken by car companies throughout history. "Traveling Through the Past and Present of the Green Book" looked at businesses that took a stand against racism and the man that wrote the book on where to find them. "Best Cars to Drive in Rush Hour Traffic" was an LACar guide published in the pre-GPS era. "In Search of the First Datsun 510 Tuner" looked at one of the milestones in the origin of import tuners.
