Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance set to reveal EV plans

Update, January 28, 2022: The alliance of Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi has confirmed it will invest billions in the next few years to advance a critical electrification plan for all three brands.

UPDATE, January 27, 2022: Mitsubishi has used a virtual media briefing to offer first confirmation for a pair of important upcoming models.

The first is an all-electric new Micra hatch, and the other is – at long last – a new-generation ASX SUV.

To read about both new models, click the links above or below.

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January 25: The multinational Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is reportedly set to unveil its electric vehicle strategy in the coming days.

As reported by Reuters, the Alliance is set to ditch internal combustion engines (ICEs) in its passenger vehicle range from 2030, instead going to electric vehicles only for its global models, something which has already been put into motion with its CMF-BEV and CMF-EV platforms.

It's anticipated the announcement will see the Alliance commit more than €20 billion (AU$31.55bn) into its EV strategy over the next five years, potentially releasing up to 30 models across the three brands, which are based on just five platforms.

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Renault has already announced its plans to only offer electric vehicles in Europe by 2030, although it is open to retaining ICEs in markets where conditions aren't favourable for EV sales, while Nissan has pledged "100 per cent of all-new vehicle offerings [will be] electrified in the key markets of Japan, China, the US and Europe by the early 2030s".

For Mitsubishi, the smallest manufacturer in the Alliance has been looking to consolidate itself, as rumours last year hinted at its development efforts being scaled back in favour of badge engineering, benefitting from Nissan's model range to become its own.

Another aspect of the change comes from the increasing efforts to secure a major stake in the Chinese market, with Renault having cut ties with local manufacturer Dongfeng in favour of forming a joint venture with Geely – however, Nissan and Dongfeng are still in a partnership.

Renault's only current EV offering in Australia is the all-electric variant of its Kangoo van, while Nissan continues to sell the Leaf – Mitsubishi currently does not sell any brand-new electric vehicles in Australia, despite its Outlander PHEV being a leader in the plug-in hybrid segment.