Transcending the Conventional Wisdom of Cars Through the Fusion of Kei-cars and EVs

At Mitsubishi Motors Stories, we've featured a series of articles called "The Story of Mitsubishi Motors' 'eK' Development" that covers the history of our company and unravels the legend of how the eK kei-cars came about, as well as a series of articles called "The Story of Mitsubishi Motors' 'EV' Development" that looks back at the EV technology developed by our company over many years. This time, we're looking back at the eK X ("cross") EV, a kei-car EV that combines the two elements responsible for both previous story series.

Kosuke Fujii, who was in charge of product planning for our new kei-car EV, knew that when it came to building kei-car EVs, it was important to ensure that the requirements people had for a kei-car were met. "Kei-cars have matured after a long period of evolution. The basic things that customers demand of their car don't change regardless of whether it's an EV or a gasoline-powered car. To be competitive against gasoline-powered kei-cars, we needed to ensure the same level of customer usability and comfort as gasoline-powered cars, such as providing a large cargo space and plentiful storage for small items. Cramming EV components into an already-small kei-car body while ensuring the same amount of space as a gasoline-powered car is difficult. However, in the process of developing electric vehicles to date, we have made car batteries, electric motors, and other EV components smaller, and our technology for packaging optimization has also become more advanced. It is the same with Nissan. I thought that these two companies would be capable of developing the best, most competitive kei-car EVs." In 2016, the two companies agreed to develop and sell kei-car EVs. The platform for the fourth-generation eK Wagon and eK X and the second-generation Nissan DAYZ, announced in 2019, was developed with the understanding that lithium-ion batteries would be installed under the floor. Just because the two companies are sharing the work of development and production doesn't mean that the kei-car EVs from the two companies will be exactly the same. Each company has a different concept of what kind of car it wants to make. Starting with the fourth-generation eK series, Nissan has been in charge of development and Mitsubishi Motors has been responsible for production. However, NMKV1, the company responsible for planning and management, has played a coordinating role and sought to differentiate the products by ensuring that the details of both the interior finishing and the exterior, including visual design, are completely dissimilar. On the other hand, the platform, power train, and similar elements are shared as much as possible. Expanding the scale of component production improves cost performance, allowing the latest technology to be incorporated at a reduced cost. This has also opened up the possibility of reducing car prices—something we were unable to do with the i-MiEV. Our staff members are highly determined to take on the challenge of new EV development. Makoto Kishi: "Mitsubishi Motors aims "Eco-friendly x Safety Technology, Peace of Mind and Comfort". Just because a vehicle is a kei-car doesn't mean we can make any sacrifices in those areas. We've done everything possible to satisfy all the needs of our customers while coming up with optional features." Fujii: "This continues to be an age in which people buy kei-cars because they have no other choice, and although the number of customers who prefer kei-cars has increased these past ten years, people have given up on things like road performance and quietness when it comes to kei-cars. Those aspects are greatly improved by electrification. We wanted to open the door to a new kei-car with EV."

Their desire became reality in 2022 in the form of the eK X EV.

EVs are no longer special cars. The eK X EV has revolutionized the Japanese kei-car market as a kei-car EV that anyone can readily choose. Fujii says, "EVs are just another option for customers. Our company's basic approach has been not to make any significant design changes from the gasoline-powered version when we develop an EV version. The results of global surveys show that customers—especially in Europe and the US—aren't looking for designs that are particularly unique just because the car is an EV. Even the eK X EV is positioned as a variant of the eK X. We strongly wanted EVs to receive equal recognition, so we didn't dare give them a special appearance." The previously launched eK X stood out for its proprietary front face design concept called the Dynamic Shield that had a playful SUV look. The eK X EV follows this concept, blending SUV-style and EV-style design notes. As for body colors, an EV-exclusive two-tone color option has been added: Mist Blue Pearl and Copper Metallic. The interior features a clean design that looks EV-like. By having thin batteries that are positioned under the floor, the eK X EV is able to provide the same spacious interior as the eK X. Equipped with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, it has a cruising range of 180 km in WLTC mode2, which is sufficient for daily use. There's no need to bother visiting gas stations. The electric motor has a maximum torque of 195 N⋅m , the same as the rear electric motor of the Outlander. This is about 20% better than the i-MiEV. We've also introduced other control technologies that are unique to electric vehicles, such as innovative pedal operation mode, which lets drivers control acceleration and deceleration with just the accelerator pedal. Kishi: "The biggest difference between EVs and gasoline or diesel-powered cars is that the electric motor instantly outputs torque in accordance with the driver's intent. Acceleration is controlled to ensure there is absolutely no shift shock, which makes for a comfortable ride. The response when you suddenly floor the accelerator during normal driving completely outstrips that of gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, the 200-kg battery is located under the floor, which lowers the car's center of gravity and improves stability during corners and braking. This performance was made possible by technologies we have cultivated through our development of EVs and PHEVs, and it also helps to improve safety and security."

Fujii: “We're often told, 'This is no longer a kei-car.' I myself did a test drive on a test course in Okazaki Aichi, and found that its acceleration performance, steering stability, and quietness had improved a lot compared to the i-MiEV. Its road performance has surpassed compact-class cars." In terms of advanced technology, this car is the first by Mitsubishi Motors to use not only MI-PILOT same-lane driver assistance system for motorways but also MI-PILOT Parking, an effortless and hassle-free parking assistance technology. With the latest technology, drivers can enjoy greater safety and security. "MI-PILOT Parking is a very useful feature for elderly drivers and people who have just gotten their driver's license. It helps you park safely in a variety of situations, such as parallel parking. In addition to MI-PILOT's adaptive cruise control and lane assist features, we're also hearing that the innovative pedal operation mode that enables single-pedal operation 'makes driving easier'." The eK X EV was made by incorporating extensive technology developed by Mitsubishi Motors for both kei-cars and EVs. With road performance that surpasses that of kei-cars, this car is safe and easy for anyone to drive, adding new value to your everyday lifestyle as a car owner. Furthermore, it produces zero CO₂ emissions while driving, making it capable of coexistence with a sustainable society. The eK X EV represents the creation of new value resulting from the fusion of EV technology with kei-car technology developed by Mitsubishi Motors through the eK series and other kei-cars. Mitsubishi Motors will continue to devote itself to daily car manufacturing to provide customers with new value, to pursue the possibilities of mobility, to contribute to a thriving society, and to produce excitement and passion.