A Review of Mitsubishi Motors and Earth Day 2023

Earth Day 2023 happened on April 22, 2023, but just because it’s come and gone doesn’t mean that’s any reason to not keep up the spirit and go a little more green every day. Whether it’s recycling more or being more mindful of your own carbon footprint, Earth Day can be any day, and buying a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or even a hybrid is a great way to start. Many automakers have a plan to invest more into their electrified lineup, and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance shared their Alliance 2030 business plans. “Challenge 2025” by the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) soon followed, and new options like the Mitsubishi Colt Hybrid are already taking shape.

“The history of Mitsubishi Motors’ electrification program parallels the establishment of Earth Day…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.” – Mark Chaffin, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA)

Mitsubishi Motors has over 50 years of research and development (R&D) into hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) technology to work towards more earth-friendly advancements in transportation. Committed to working toward a sustainable carbon-neutral future, the MMC aims to reduce its lineup vehicle CO2 emissions down by 40-percent, as well as lower the CO2 emitted during operation and production by 50-percent by 2030, 100-percent by 2035. Now that’s a pretty great goal to shoot for, and the MMC has been at it since the early days of Earth Day in 1970, when a Wisconsin senator held a national demonstration to raise awareness of environmental issues.

40 years of R&D later, and Mitsubishi Motors produced the world’s first mass-market battery electric vehicle (BEV), the 2010 Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV). A highway-capable BEV was yet unheard of, and the MMC pulled it off. It took less than three years for the automaker to release its next model that would eventually earn it the title of the world’s best-selling PHEV. Known as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the flagship of the brand, this isn’t the only addition by the automaker to industry that helps to provide environmentally options. Although not hybrid options, some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market are the Mirage and Mirage G4.

Starting at $16,245 (plus destination fee), the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid, gas-powered new cars on the market. With a fuel economy of 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, it’s difficult to find a vehicle that isn’t an electrified option to beat that. Also a part of the Mirage series, the Mirage G4 sedan has a fuel economy of 35 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, and has a starting MSRP of $17,245 (plus destination fee).

With great green options like these coming from Mitsubishi Motors, we look forward to what kind of success the Mitsubishi Colt Hybrid will have. You can join Mitsubishi and celebrate Earth Day every day when you purchase a new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at University Mitsubishi.

Photo Source/Copyright: Mitsubishi Media