Mitsubishi Celebrates Over 50 Years of Pushing Electric Boundaries
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Mitsubishi Celebrates Over 50 Years of Pushing Electric Boundaries

photo of white mitsubishi outlander on pavement road in the mountains forest winter
  • Mitsubishi Motors celebrated Earth Month 2023 by highlighting its history of bringing electrification to its vehicles.
  • The brand boasts the world’s first mass-market battery electric vehicle and the first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV.
  • The carmaker has a plan to eventually have global sales of electrified vehicles at 100% by 2035.

Earth Month 2023 saw plenty of brands calling for broader adoption of effective options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including electrified transport. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi celebrated Earth Month by highlighting its history of developing electrified vehicles – including the fact that the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid was the first of its kind – and sharing its plans for accelerated efforts in a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.


1970 – A Year of Environmental Focus

Earth Day itself dates back to the year 1970. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was one of many people who were shocked by a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara the year before, and he worked with other senators and activists to organize Earth Day to combine the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public concern for air and water pollution.

At the same time, across the globe, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation had already begun its research and development work that would lay the foundation for more than 50 years of eco-friendly advancements in transit options.

“The history of Mitsubishi Motors’ electrification program parallels the establishment of Earth Day,” said Mark Chaffin, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America. “And while we have many pioneering achievements to be proud of, we’re not resting on our laurels. Our all-new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid flagship is continuing our leadership in electrified mobility, setting sales records, earning awards and accumulating accolades from media and customers alike. And we are eagerly anticipating new electrified Mitsubishi models in our near future, as outlined in our parent company’s recently announced Midterm Plan.”



Mitsubishi’s History of Environmentally Friendly Achievements

Mitsubishi has been at the forefront of eco-friendly innovation, with accomplishments like the world’s first mass-market battery electric vehicle and the best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

After nearly four decades of dedicated R&D, Mitsubishi Motors unveiled the world’s first mass-market battery electric vehicle in 2010. The breakthrough Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV) was followed by another world first in 2013: the introduction of the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, the first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV. 

Since then, the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid has been the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, an honor it still holds today with the latest award-winning 2023 model.

Beyond their electrified vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors North America also sells the Mirage and Mirage G4. They are the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, gas-powered cars available in the United States. The Mirage, with its highly efficient three-cylinder engine, boasts impressive fuel economy ratings of 36/43/39 city/highway/combined mpg. Meanwhile, its five-door counterpart, the Mirage G4, achieves 35/41/37 city/highway/combined mpg.


Mitsubishi’s Latest Plans

With their recently announced Midterm Plan, “Challenge 2025,” the brand is geared up for even greater environmentally friendly achievements.

Mitsubishi Motors North America’s parent company, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has committed to accelerating efforts toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. The brand’s ambitious goals include a 40% reduction in vehicle CO2 emissions and a 50% reduction in operational CO2 emissions by 2030. Mitsubishi also aims to achieve 50% global sales of electrified vehicles by 2030 and 100% by 2035, leveraging a mix of plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and pure electric vehicles.


SOURCE | IMAGES: MITSUBISHI

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AUTHOR: 

JESSICA MCCORMICK

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