Mitsubishi is launching a new EV based on the Nissan LEAF: Here’s what to expect

Finally, Mitsubishi is bringing a new EV to the US. Mitsubishi confirmed plans to launch a new EV in North America that will be based on the next-gen Nissan LEAF. Here’s what we know so far.

Mitsubishi will use the Nissan LEAF for its new EV

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi told US dealers (via Automotive News) that a new EV would arrive in 2026. Sources said the new electric car will closely resemble Nissan’s updated LEAF.

The company officially announced its upcoming EV on Tuesday, giving us a better idea of what to expect. Mitsubishi confirmed its upcoming EV will, in fact, be based on the new Nissan LEAF. The Japanese automakers will work together to launch it across the US and Canada as part of Mitsubishi’s long-term growth plan.

Nissan revealed the third-gen LEAF in March, upgrading it in nearly every way. The new Nissan LEAF drops the iconic hatch design for a crossover and includes a native NACS port to access Tesla Superchargers.

Based on its CMF-EV platform, the same one underpinning its electric SUV, the Ariya, Nissan’s new LEAF has “significant range improvements.”

Although official specs will be revealed soon, Nissan’s vehicle program chief, Francois Bailly, told TopGear.com that the new LEAF is expected to have a WLTP driving range of up to 373 miles (600 km).

The updated LEAF will arrive in the US and Canada later this year as one of ten new or refreshed vehicles from Nissan and its luxury Infiniti brand.

As part of its North American growth strategy, dubbed Momentum 2030, Mitsubishi will launch “a new or significantly revised vehicle every year between 2026 and 2030,” starting with the 2025 Outlander.

Mark Chaffin, president and CEO of Mitsubishi’s North American operations, said after launching the new business plan (Momentum 2030), dealers were asking “for more concrete timing and plans.”

Chaffin added that today’s announcement “is the first of many to come that reinforce our commitment to the US market. “

Mitsubishi’s North American sales rose 11% year-over-year (YOY) in the first quarter to 31,637 units. Chaffin said the new EV will diversify its lineup with “a blend of internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.” The company will share more details, including prices and specs, closer to launch in Summer 2026.