Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV Unveiled As First Fully Electric Model With Alliance Platform And Affordable Price Range Specifications
The famous name Eclipse goes electric: Mitsubishi unveils the first official images of the new Eclipse Sportback EV, the first fully electric model ever produced under this moniker since 1990. The new vehicle is soon to be launched worldwide over the next weeks, further extending Mitsubishi's electric segment presence.
The Eclipse Sportback EV is a clear product of the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi alliance. Engineers borrowed the platform on which the new Nissan Leaf was designed; as a result, the profile of the hatchback is very similar to that of its Nissan brother. In order to provide the new vehicle with a brand new image, engineers of the Japanese brand have decided to redesign the front and rear ends, implementing unique styling cues and the Mitsubishi badging. This choice helps differentiate the hatchback from the vehicle which acts as a base for the platform.
Sharing a production platform has helped to decrease the overhead costs and significantly shorten the development time of the vehicle. This architectural decision ensures that the vehicle takes advantage of a well established production line that avoids potential production issues typically experienced with new electric vehicles.
Based on available preliminary data, the mechanical parts of the new Eclipse Sportback EV appear to be similar to the ones of the Leaf. As such, a 75 kilowatt hour battery is coupled to a front mounted electric motor producing 174 hp, delivering it to the front wheels. The estimated range is supposed to reach up to 480 km on a single charge and include compatibility with the NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector.
The manufacturer is looking to offer this new vehicle as a viable first step for those switching from fossil fuels. Experts predict that the pricing should be similar to that of the Nissan Leaf, staying below 30,000 dollars. This positioning makes the electric hatchback a very competitive option on the affordable electric car market.
