- Mitsubishi’s electric kei car gets a cleaner, color-matched design.
- New power outlet allows it to act as a mobile power bank.
- Base pricing drops to an affordable $11,700 with local subsidies.
The Mitsubishi eK Cross EV has picked up a mid-cycle refresh in Japan, arriving after the closely related Nissan Sakura EV got the same treatment. The electric kei car wears a redesigned front end, adds fresh paint options, and brings more equipment to the cabin.
Gone is the Dynamic Shield grille that defined the outgoing car, replaced by a redesigned bumper with more body-colored trim. Mitsubishi kept the split headlights but paired them with a slim illuminated bar where the grille used to be, along with smaller intakes below. The result reads cleaner and a little friendlier, and it puts visual distance between the EV and the combustion eK Cross.
More: Mitsubishi’s Building A Kei-Sized Pajero, And A Nissan Pickup For America
The profile looks familiar but Mitsubishi designers have removed the plastic cladding from the wheel arches and the side skirts. The color palette includes five new bi-tone shades and two new colors increasing the total number to eleven.
A Cabin That Doubles As A Power Bank
Inside, a new 100V AC accessory outlet sits on the lower dashboard, capable of powering external devices that draw up to 1,500 watts. That lets the EV double as a mobile power bank on camping trips, or a backup generator for your home when the grid goes down.
More: Mitsubishi’s New Kei Van Channels Its Inner Pajero
The flagship P trim gains two USB-C ports and one USB-A. Furthermore, Mitsubishi has expanded the standard heated steering wheel and heated front seats to the mid-spec G grade. On the safety front, a Rear Seat Alert system is standard across the lineup.
Under the skin, the micro-EV carries over the same electric motor producing 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) and 195 Nm (144 lb-ft) of torque. The 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, also unchanged, delivers a WLTC range of 180 km (112 miles) that should be fine for urban commutes.
How Much Does It Cost?
The updated Mitsubishi eK Cross EV is already available to order in Japan, with the first deliveries expected later this month. Pricing starts at ¥2,446,400 ($15,200) for the base G Business Package and tops out at ¥3,214,200 ($20,000) for the flagship P trim. Factor in Japan’s EV subsidies, though, and the entry price drops to a more sensible ¥1,872,400 ($11,700).
Also: Subaru’s Cheapest New Car Is A $7,200 Kei Van With Three Pedals
Setting aside the closely related Nissan Sakura EV, the main rival of the electric kei car is the Honda N-One e:, though the upcoming BYD Racco looms as a major threat too. Beyond the eK Cross EV, Mitsubishi’s kei lineup includes the ICE-powered eK Cross, eK Wagon, eK Space, and Delica Mini.
