Report: Mitsubishi Triton Hybrid Coming Soon, PHEV and BEV Coming Later

Latest-gen Mitsubishi Triton set to gain both an electrified hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, plus a full electric (BEV) offshoot, soon enough. 

Australian website CarExpert.com.au reports that the Mitsubishi Triton will likely see a new hybrid option introduced sometime soon. A and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions are set to follow suit after which.

“We are studying both of those, a battery EV and a HEV [hybrid electric vehicle], for the future,” said Hiroshi Nagaoka, Mitsubishi’s global chief of engineering and product strategy, to the Australia title. He adds that the firm is already at an “advanced engineering phase” of those developments too.

The exec did note that Mitsubishi hasn’t decided yet on which tech it should develop at a faster pace first, citing that it is still exploring all possibilities. Prior to this, Mitsubishi had already confirmed plans to build an all-electric pick-up truck, which is due sometime in the next five years.

Launched in July this year, the latest-gen Triton's bones could be adapted to house an electrified powertrain based on details supplied by the brand's engineering chief recently.

“In future, we think that BEV is also required for [a] pickup truck, but the question is timing: when we should introduce a BEV? And before a BEV, we also need to think about some other kind of electrified vehicle, such as a hybrid or a PHEV” said Nagaoka further.

This, more or less, is an indication that a hybrid (HEV)version of the Triton will arrive to market first, and Mitsubishi is still mulling whether to go all-electric or PHEV first as their next step. What’s certain is that Mitsubishi will not rely on the Alliance partner Nissan and its e-power hybrid tech.

“Most likely we will go first with the HEV, then after that, maybe considering the battery improvement, PHEV, or battery EV,” added Nagaoka further. He also notes that if the decision is taken to go down the HEV path, the current Triton frame can be used for which, making it a good short-term solution.

A hybrid (HEV) option could stand as a viable short-term solution for Mitsubishi towards decarbonisation.

However, the exec did also note that an extensive rework of the current platform is required to accommodate either PHEV or BEV powertrains. He also confirmed that an upcoming BEV pick-up truck will underpin a platform derived from the current Triton’s bones.

Furthermore, advancement in battery tech could allow Mitsubishi to fit large capacity battery packs into said current Triton’s bones. “Battery technology will improve, and then we can have a more efficient battery, we can put a plug-in hybrid, and I think that will be better than the battery EV I think,” said Nagoka.

Whilst an electrified version or offshoot of the Triton seems to be in the works, Mitsubishi will still need to play catch up with rivals like Ford and China’s GWM, the former having just revealed the PHEV version of its Ranger best-seller whilst the latter has already hit markets with a HEV version of its Cannon.

Would you be keen on an electrified flavour of the Triton pick-up truck?

Another marque set for electrification in this space is Isuzu. The Japanese firm is reportedly set to adapt the EV battery and motor system from its N Series (ELF) EV commercial trucks for use in both its D-Max pick-up truck and MU-X full-bodied SUV 4x4 twin.

Another rival, Toyota, on the other hand, also recently developed an all-electric prototype of its Hilux, as well as one powered by hydrogen. However, said Japanese automaking giant’s plans with either for one of its global best-sellers remains uncertain still.