Mitsubishi Motors has taken a significant step in its European electrification programme with the unveiling of the 2026 Eclipse Cross as a battery-electric small SUV. The new model is closely related to the Renault Scenic E-Tech – both sit on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF‑EV platform – and represents Mitsubishi’s first battery-electric passenger vehicle offered outside Japan since the i‑MiEV.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAu) has indicated interest in the model “should it be offered outside of Europe in future,” leaving open the possibility of a local arrival after the petrol and earlier plug‑in hybrid variants were withdrawn due to changing safety and regulatory requirements. While Mitsubishi has not confirmed export plans, the company’s public comment signals the Eclipse Cross EV is being considered as part of its broader Australian line‑up planning.
What the Eclipse Cross EV is
- Platform and origins: The Eclipse Cross EV is essentially a restyled Renault Scenic E‑Tech built at Renault’s factory in France. It shares the same architecture and many mechanical and interior components, but adopts Mitsubishi exterior and brand-specific styling cues.
- Battery and range: Mitsubishi quotes an “87 kWh long‑range” battery as standard on launch, with a “mid‑range” battery – likely a 60 kWh Renault unit – to follow. The long‑range version carries a WLTP claim of around 600 kilometres. As always, WLTP figures represent lab test results and real‑world range in Australia will depend on driving style, climate and accessory use; expect urban and mixed driving ranges to be lower than the WLTP figure, particularly when using heating or air‑conditioning.
- Powertrain and performance: The European specification lists a front‑wheel‑drive layout with a single electric motor producing about 160 kW and 300 Nm. Mitsubishi’s claimed 0-100 km/h time is 8.4 seconds with a top speed of roughly 170 km/h.
- Charging and efficiency: The Eclipse Cross EV supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging via a CCS2 socket, and Mitsubishi will offer a heat pump as standard to reduce HV battery load in temperature control scenarios. Regenerative braking has multiple levels to aid energy recuperation.
- Dimensions and interior: The vehicle measures about 4,470 mm long with a 2,785 mm wheelbase, which matches the Scenic E‑Tech. Mitsubishi’s exterior tweaks include unique headlights, bumpers and alloy designs; the cabin retains the Scenic’s dual 12.3‑inch digital cluster and infotainment displays, Google integration, wireless smartphone mirroring and a Harman Kardon audio option.
What it means for Australia
- A potential fit for the compact SUV segment
Australia’s compact SUV market – historically dominated by combustion models such as the original Eclipse Cross and ASX – has been shifting rapidly toward electrification. If Mitsubishi chooses to offer the Eclipse Cross EV here, it would compete in a crowded segment that now includes models from local imports such as Hyundai, Kia and MG, as well as Tesla’s smaller SUVs. Mitsubishi’s brand recognition and established dealer network would help, but competitive pricing and specification will be decisive. - Timing and supply chain considerations
Production for Europe is scheduled to start at Renault’s French plant by the end of the year. For right‑hand‑drive markets such as Australia, Mitsubishi would need to confirm whether right‑hand‑drive conversions are part of the supply plan. Historically this process can add months to an export decision, so an Australian introduction – if approved – would likely fall in the 2025-2026 window rather than immediately. - Safety and regulatory hurdles
Mitsubishi previously withdrew some locally sold models, including the older ASX and Eclipse Cross variants, citing tightening safety regulations. Any return would need to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and local crash‑test expectations. The Alliance’s focus on shared platforms may make certification smoother, but this remains a gating factor. - Charging infrastructure and ownership experience
Australia’s DC fast‑charging network is expanding, but availability varies significantly across urban, regional and remote corridors. A 150 kW charging capability is competitive and will appeal to buyers wanting highway capability, but practical long‑distance usability will depend on charger distribution and reliability. Mitsubishi’s inclusion of a heat pump is a welcome move for preserving range in warmer and cooler conditions – especially relevant for Australian climates where temperature extremes affect battery performance. - Other Mitsubishi EV plans
Mitsubishi has also flagged a separate electric SUV – a Foxtron‑built vehicle from Taiwan (a Foxconn‑linked venture) – planned for Australia in 2026. That model appears to target different production sources and may arrive alongside or ahead of any Scenic‑based Eclipse Cross depending on corporate strategy and supply availability.
Practical expectations for buyers
- If launched here, expect Mitsubishi to position the Eclipse Cross EV as a mid‑to‑upper‑spec compact EV, with long‑range models targeting buyers wanting maximum range and convenience tech.
- Price expectations will depend on local taxes, incentives (state and federal), and exchange rates. Price parity with the Scenic E‑Tech is likely a baseline, but local equipment levels, safety fitments and dealer pricing will determine competitiveness.
- Real‑world range should be regarded conservatively. WLTP claims provide a useful upper benchmark, but Australian drivers should expect lower figures in hot summer conditions or high‑speed interstate cruising.
Conclusion
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross electric SUV represents a practical, alliance‑built approach to electrifying one of Mitsubishi’s core small‑SUV nameplates. While the company has signalled interest in bringing the model to Australia, an official export decision and timetable remain unconfirmed. If introduced, the Eclipse Cross EV would bolster Mitsubishi’s local EV choices alongside the ASX replacement and the Foxtron‑built SUV due in 2026. For Australian buyers, the car’s strong range claims, heat‑pump efficiency measures and competitive charging specification make it a credible contender – but price, local fit‑out and the availability of right‑hand‑drive units will ultimately determine its success in a market that is rapidly evolving toward electrification.
FAQs
Will Mitsubishi confirm the Eclipse Cross EV for Australia?
Mitsubishi Motors Australia has publicly said it would consider the Eclipse Cross EV “should it be offered outside of Europe in future.” That is an expression of interest, not a confirmation. Mitsubishi will need to decide on right‑hand‑drive production, certification to Australian standards, and pricing before announcing availability.
When could Australian buyers realistically see the Eclipse Cross EV on sale?
If Mitsubishi opts to export the model, a realistic window would be 2025-2026, reflecting the time needed for right‑hand‑drive engineering, regulatory certification and allocation from European production. Exact timing will hinge on corporate supply decisions and demand planning.
How far will the Eclipse Cross EV go on a single charge in Australia?
Mitsubishi cites about 600 km WLTP for the 87 kWh long‑range model. In practice, expect lower real‑world ranges in Australia due to temperature, driving speeds and accessory use; a conservative estimate would be 10-20% below WLTP under mixed driving conditions, with larger drops possible in high‑speed or hot‑climate scenarios.
What charging speeds does it support?
The European specification supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging via a CCS2 connector, which is competitive for highway charging. AC charging rates and onboard charger capacity will be part of local specification details when Mitsubishi confirms Australian models.
How does the Eclipse Cross EV compare to other compact EVs?
The Eclipse Cross EV’s long‑range battery and standard heat pump give it a strong technical package versus many compact EV rivals. However, success will depend on local pricing, standard equipment and dealer support. Competitors from Hyundai, Kia and other brands also offer compelling packages, so buyer consideration will be driven by total cost of ownership and available incentives.
Will the Eclipse Cross EV be identical to the Renault Scenic E‑Tech sold in Europe?
Mechanically and dimensionally the two vehicles are effectively the same, sharing the CMF‑EV platform, battery options and core interior hardware. Mitsubishi will differentiate the Eclipse Cross with unique exterior styling, brand badging and potentially some local equipment changes, but the underlying architecture and many interior elements will be familiar to Scenic E‑Tech buyers.
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