Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi have formed a partnership to catch up with the US market’s shift towards electric vehicles. They are collaborating to develop an electric pickup truck specifically for the US market. Could this be the highly anticipated all-electric version of Nissan’s Frontier?
Nissan and Mitsubishi electric pickup destined for the US
Following a recent EV partnership announcement with Honda, Nissan has now revealed another collaboration with Mitsubishi in their efforts to advance in the electric vehicle market. Both companies have been playing catch-up as the market transitions to electrification. Nissan, a former EV frontrunner with the LEAF in 2010, took over a decade to introduce its second global EV, the Ariya. Now, with plans to accelerate their electric vehicle offerings, Nissan’s CEO Makoto Uchida unveiled the partnership’s strategies to target the US market.
According to Automotive News, Nissan will introduce its first plug-in hybrid model in the US utilizing a system engineered by Mitsubishi. On the flip side, Mitsubishi will debut its first North American-manufactured EV incorporating Nissan’s electric technology.
The collaborative efforts between Nissan and Mitsubishi expand further as they aim to develop an electric pickup truck specifically for the US market, with production slated to take place in Mexico. The lineup may include fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions.
The anticipated model is likely to be an electric version of Nissan’s highly popular Frontier pickup truck, catering to the demand for midsize EV pickups in the market. This partnership between Nissan and Mitsubishi has been ongoing since 2016, spurred by an emissions scandal that saw former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn acquire a 34% stake in Mitsubishi.
The collaboration extends to minicar projects in Japan, with a significant focus on revamping their sales strategies in North America. Nissan’s Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa indicated that the electric pickup is expected to hit the market between March 31, 2027, and March 31, 3031.
Electrek’s Take
With Nissan’s Frontier being a top-selling model in the US, selling over 76,000 units in the previous year, the anticipation for an electric version is high. Nissan’s recent “Arc” business plan aims to streamline operations and compete effectively in the EV market against Chinese manufacturers and Tesla.
The company’s shift towards electrification is evident as they plan to launch 34 electrified vehicles across all segments from 2024 to 2030, aiming for 40% of global sales to be electrified by 2026 and 60% by 2030. Nissan’s substantial investment in the US market includes refreshing 78% of its lineup, introducing e-POWER and plug-in hybrids.
The electric truck market is already bustling with competition from Tesla, Chevy, Ford, and Rivian. While the Nissan/Mitsubishi electric pickup may arrive slightly later, the focus on differentiating their product offerings is evident. Would you consider an electric Nissan or Mitsubishi pickup over the existing models from Tesla, Chevy, Ford, or Rivian? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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