Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV SUV Based on Nissan Leaf

What Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV is an all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) that reuses the nameplate from the classic 1990s Mitsubishi Eclipse coupé, but is now adapted as a compact electric crossover. It is manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and is built on the same platform as the Nissan Leaf, reflecting the alliance between Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. In Malaysia, the official distributor is Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), which currently offers the Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid. The Eclipse Sportback EV addresses the need for a stylish, zero-emission SUV suitable for urban and suburban driving in Malaysia, where petrol prices fluctuate and government incentives for EVs are expanding. It competes in the compact electric SUV segment alongside the BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the upcoming Tesla Model Y.

Key Facts

What Platform Does the Eclipse Sportback EV Use?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV is built on the Nissan Leaf’s EV platform, which is a dedicated electric vehicle architecture originally launched in 2010 and updated for the second-generation Leaf. This platform uses a front-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack placed under the floor. According to the Careta.my article, "The decision to share the Leaf’s platform allows Mitsubishi to accelerate development while benefiting from Nissan’s proven electric drivetrain technology." The platform supports both standard and long-range battery options.

The Eclipse Sportback EV borrows the Nissan Leaf’s platform, which has been refined over more than a decade of real-world use in global markets, including Malaysia.

How Does It Compare to the Nissan Leaf for Malaysian Drivers?

While the Nissan Leaf is a hatchback, the Eclipse Sportback EV is a higher-riding SUV with a coupé-like roofline, offering greater ground clearance and a more practical boot. Malaysian drivers who prefer an elevated driving position and the versatility of an SUV will find the Eclipse more appealing. However, the Leaf is already sold in Malaysia (though in limited numbers) with a WLTP range of up to 385 km. The Eclipse is expected to offer similar or slightly reduced range due to its larger body and weight. Pricing for the Leaf in Malaysia starts from around RM 180,000 (for the imported model), so the Eclipse Sportback EV could be positioned at a similar or slightly higher price point.

For Malaysian urban commuters, the Eclipse Sportback EV offers the same proven electric powertrain as the Leaf but in a more family-friendly SUV body.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The ideal Malaysian buyer for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV is a middle- to upper-income household living in a landed property or condominium with dedicated parking and access to a home charger. They are likely a family of four who need a daily commuter for KL traffic and occasional weekend trips to Genting or Penang. The compact footprint (around 4.4 metres long) suits tight parking in shopping malls and apartment lots. The tropical climate demands effective air‑conditioning and battery thermal management, which the Leaf‑derived platform already handles well. This EV is also suitable for early adopters who want a Japanese‑branded EV with a well‑known service network (Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has over 30 service centres nationwide).

In Malaysia, the Eclipse Sportback EV targets existing Mitsubishi owners seeking an electric upgrade and families switching from petrol SUVs to their first EV.

What Is the Expected Range and Charging Time?

Based on the Nissan Leaf’s specifications, the Eclipse Sportback EV is likely to offer two battery options: a 40 kWh pack with a WLTP range of approximately 270 km, and a 62 kWh pack that achieves around 385 km. Charging on a standard 240V Type 2 socket in Malaysia (7.2 kW) would take about 6–8 hours for a full charge. Using a 50 kW CHAdeMO DC fast charger, the 40 kWh battery can reach 80% in roughly 40 minutes. However, CHAdeMO chargers are becoming less common in Malaysia as CCS2 becomes the standard; this could be a limitation for future charging infrastructure compatibility.

The Eclipse Sportback EV’s estimated range of up to 385 km is sufficient for most Malaysian daily commutes and intercity travel within Peninsular Malaysia.

Common Questions

Will the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV be available in Malaysia?

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has not officially confirmed local sales. Given that the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV are offered here, it is highly likely that the Eclipse Sportback EV will be launched in Malaysia by 2025 or 2026, pending CKD local assembly feasibility.

Is the Eclipse Sportback EV compatible with Malaysian CCS2 fast chargers?

The current Nissan Leaf uses a CHAdeMO connector, which is incompatible with CCS2 chargers growing in Malaysia. If Mitsubishi retains CHAdeMO, owners will need to rely on limited CHAdeMO chargers or use AC charging. A CCS2 update is expected for newer EVs.

What is the expected price of the Eclipse Sportback EV in Malaysian ringgit?

No official pricing has been announced. Based on the Nissan Leaf’s price (about RM 180,000 for the 62 kWh variant), the Eclipse Sportback EV is estimated to cost between RM 150,000 and RM 200,000, subject to import duties and local assembly status.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report published by Careta.my: "Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV Didedahkan SUV Elektrik Berasaskan Nissan Leaf Baharu" (2025). Key facts such as platform sharing and expected range are derived from that source. Price estimates and Malaysian availability are speculative, as Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has not issued an official statement. Currency conversions are not required as the source used only Malaysian ringgit. The article was last updated on 28 March 2025. Localisation for Malaysia includes reference to 240V UK-style plugs, CHAdeMO vs CCS2, and MMM service network.