Nissan and Mitsubishi Forge Ahead with Electrified Pickup Plans for the U.S.

The automotive landscape is shifting gears towards electrification, and Nissan and Mitsubishi are not just spectators but active participants in this revolution. In a bold move, these Japanese giants are teaming up to develop a one-ton pickup truck that will not only cater to the electric vehicle (EV) market but also include a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant, specifically designed for the U.S. market. This collaboration is a strategic play to navigate the complex terrain of the automotive industry’s future, where electrification is the new norm.

Nissan’s journey has been one of recalibration and realignment, especially after the departure of ex-CEO Carlos Ghosn. Under the leadership of CEO Makoto Uchida, Nissan introduced “Nissan Next” and later “Ambition 2030”, aiming to electrify its lineup with a significant investment of 2 trillion yen. The latest strategy, “The Arc”, further refines these goals, with a commitment to launch 30 new models by the end of fiscal year 2026, 16 of which will be electrified.

The collaboration with Mitsubishi is a testament to the shared vision of both companies. Mitsubishi will bring its PHEV expertise to the table, potentially evolving the technology seen in the Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV. This move will not only bolster Mitsubishi’s lineup with a third plug-in model but will also mark Nissan’s entry into the U.S. hybrid market, where it currently has no presence.

The electric pickup, slated for release between March 31, 2027, and March 31, 2031, will leverage Nissan’s EV prowess. It’s expected to be larger and more capable than the half-ton Nissan Frontier and will likely be manufactured in Mexico to avoid U.S. tariffs. Mitsubishi will also have its version of the pickup, and further collaboration could see more Mitsubishi products sourced from Nissan and Renault.

“Nissan GT-R Track Pack” by David Villarreal Fernández is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

In addition to the pickup, Nissan plans to introduce five new EVs to the U.S. market, including a hatchback, a sedan, and three crossovers. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties within the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance and to share technology and resources effectively.

The partnership also includes working with Honda on EV powertrain components and software, showcasing Nissan’s commitment to collaboration in the EV space. The alliance with Mitsubishi is particularly strategic, as it allows both companies to minimize development costs at a time when the EV market is experiencing a slowdown.

For Mitsubishi, this deal is a chance to introduce its first all-electric vehicle in the U.S., while Nissan will benefit from a new plug-in hybrid. The battery-powered mid-size pickup truck, which may be manufactured in Mexico, will serve both the U.S. and Latin American markets, circumventing import tariffs.

This collaboration is not just about sharing technology; it’s about shaping the future of mobility. While it’s still early days, and the exact nature of the EV, PHEV, and electric pickup remains to be seen, the anticipation is high. The automotive world is watching closely as Nissan and Mitsubishi navigate the electrification race, and with these new vehicles on the horizon, the future looks charged with potential.