Drive.com
MITSUBISHI has put plans for a fully electric Triton on hold, fast-tracking development of a plug-less hybrid version as tightening emissions rules collide with cooling global demand for electric utes.
Speaking at the Tokyo motor show, Mitsubishi engineering fellow Kaoru Sawase said the company had shifted focus to a hybrid Triton that keeps a traditional mechanical four-wheel-drive system – and avoids the compromises of current electric workhorses.
Mr Sawase told Australian media that while Mitsubishi had previously targeted a 2028 release for a battery- electric Triton, customer needs and real-world testing were forcing a rethink.
“First, we have to work on hybrid – not plug-in hybrid,” he said via a translator.
“We announced plans to launch a battery-electric Triton, but the direction has shifted. We are now trying to quickly launch electrified (hybrid) vehicles.”
The pivot follows a global dip in enthusiasm for electric utes after a boom in the US two years ago, while demand for hybrids – including new plug-in offerings like the BYD Shark 6 – continues to rise.
Mitsubishi’s hybrid Triton is expected to use a P2 hybrid layout, placing an electric motor between the engine and transmission, which allows the vehicle to retain a traditional low-range transfer case and locking rear differential crucial for towing and off-road durability.
The system is similar to setups used in electrified four-wheel-drives from Toyota, Land Rover and Jeep.
It remains unclear whether the hybrid Triton will pair its electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. Either way, the brand may become the only non-plug-in full-hybrid ute in Australia after the GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid was dropped in favour of the plug-in version.
A plug-in hybrid Triton is still under investigation, but the priority is the simpler, plug-less hybrid.
“We have to launch as soon as we can, but we cannot disclose the exact timeline,” Mr Sawase said.
Asked if customers could expect to see one within the next couple of years, he replied: “It would be great if we can.”
