Fully-electric 2022 Mitsubishi Airtrek teased, based on the Outlander
Mitsubishi resurrects the Airtrek nameplate as it prepares to launch an electric SUV.
Mitsubishi has teased an all-electric version of the Outlander, badged as an Airtrek for the Chinese market.
Revealed at the 2021 Shanghai motor show, the battery-powered Mitsubishi SUV wears redesigned front- and rear-ends than the recently-unveiled Outlander to help differentiate it as an electric vehicle (EV).
The Airtrek name was originally given to the Outlander in Japan when the model was released in 2001, with the company saying it was coined to "describe the vehicle's ability to transport its passengers on adventure-packed journeys in a 'free-as-a-bird' manner" – now resurrected for the fully-electric model.
Though yet to be seen with pure-electric power, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has proven to be one of the most popular plug-in hybrid models on the Australian market in recent years.
"Designed exclusively for the Chinese market, the all-new Airtrek will be launched by the end of this year as the fourth model of Mitsubishi Motors' lineup in China," the company said in a statement overnight.
"With the addition of this electric vehicle, we aim to contribute to creating a sustainable mobility society."
The vehicle is being produced as part of Mitsubishi's joint venture with Chinese car maker GAC.
While full details of the Airtrek have yet to be released, given Mitsubishi's relationship with Nissan, it's possible the model could share its underpinnings with the Nissan Ariya, which offers between 430 and 610km of range from a single charge.
There's no word as to whether the 2022 Mitsubishi Airtrek will find its way to countries outside of China, but there's a good chance major markets such as Japan and North America could see the model in the coming years, before eventually being offered in Australia – perhaps with unique styling and Outlander badging.
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