A New Era for Small Trucks: Nissan and Mitsubishi to Develop Plug-in Hybrid or Electric Pickup Truck
Truck enthusiasts have long bemoaned the disappearance of small, affordable, and useful trucks from the market. The trend seemed to be heading towards big, expensive electric vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning, leaving behind the idea of a small, budget-friendly hybrid truck like the Dissident. However, there is hope on the horizon as Nissan and Mitsubishi are rumored to be working on a new, smaller pickup truck for the US market that could be a plug-in hybrid or fully electric.
The news of this upcoming truck was confirmed by Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida during a presentation of Nissan’s medium-term business strategy. Alongside this announcement, Nissan also teased the possibility of a Skyline electric crossover. According to reports, Nissan and Mitsubishi will collaborate on the development of a smaller next-generation pickup truck to be manufactured in Mexico. This strategic move would help the truck avoid the U.S. chicken tax and facilitate easier access to Latin American markets. However, details such as the transmission, exact size, and arrival time of the truck have not yet been disclosed.
In terms of drivetrains, both a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and a fully electric vehicle (EV) are being considered for the new truck. It remains unclear which option will be chosen or if there will be a combination of both in the final product. Mitsubishi has previously indicated plans for an electric van by 2028, but it is uncertain whether this will be a separate model or part of the upcoming pickup truck lineup. The timeline for the truck’s release is estimated to be between three to seven years, meaning it could hit the market as early as spring 2027 or as late as 2031.
The collaboration between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Mitsubishi is part of a broader effort to create badge-engineered vehicles for the U.S. market. These vehicles are expected to fill gaps in each brand’s product lineup, incorporating hybrid technologies for Nissan and exploring various segments for Mitsubishi. The companies already share a platform, with the Rogue chassis serving as the basis for the Outlander. Moving forward, electrified transmissions will be a key focus, with Nissan likely to receive a PHEV and Mitsubishi an EV that will be distinct from their joint truck project.
The partnership between Nissan and Mitsubishi signals a shift towards more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles in the competitive pickup truck market. While the specifics of the new truck are still shrouded in mystery, the prospect of a smaller, more affordable, and eco-friendly option has generated excitement among truck enthusiasts. With the potential for a plug-in hybrid or electric drivetrain, this upcoming truck could pave the way for a new era of compact and efficient trucks in the automotive industry.
As developments unfold and details are revealed, truck enthusiasts and industry observers eagerly anticipate the arrival of this innovative new offering from Nissan and Mitsubishi. The future of small trucks looks promising, with the potential for environmentally conscious and technologically advanced options to hit the market in the coming years.
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