Mitsubishi’s Adventure EV Concept: Glamping Meets Electrification at Japan Mobility Show 2025

Oct 19

Mitsubishi is bringing something bold to the Japan Mobility Show this year — an all-new electrified crossover SUV concept. While the company hasn’t confirmed whether it’s a fully electric vehicle or yet another plug-in hybrid, EV fans are watching closely. If it’s aimed purely at the Japanese market, there’s a strong chance it could be a PHEV. And that’s where my frustration comes in.

Concept: Electrified Crossover SUV (AI Mockup)

Plug-in hybrids are the bane of my existence here in Japan. I can’t count how many times I’ve pulled up to a charging station only to find at least one, often two, Mitsubishi Outlanders plugged in and hogging the CHAdeMO spot for an hour. The irony? These things have a battery that barely delivers under 100 km (around 62 miles) of electric range. Meanwhile, their petrol engines are sitting idle, ready to fire up the second the owner drives off.

That said, there might be hope for this one. Mitsubishi’s new concept is described as combining urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. It even promises a luxurious interior that can transform into a sleeping space — what the company calls a "glamping" environment. Think of it as an off-road EV that doubles as a hotel room. It’s a clever idea, and the styling matches that vision: rugged, boxy, and futuristic, with strong LED accents and an upright stance that looks ready to tackle Japan’s mountain roads.

If Mitsubishi takes this concept global, it could do well in markets like North America or Australia — regions where large electric adventure vehicles are already making waves. I’m thinking along the lines of the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning, both of which have proven there’s a strong appetite for electric lifestyle vehicles that can haul, camp, and explore. A fully electric Mitsubishi Outlander successor would fit right into that niche.

But what I don’t want is another gas-guzzling, fake electric car that clogs up chargers and contributes little to progress. Mitsubishi has a real chance here to move beyond hybrids and join the next generation of clean mobility. We’ve seen Toyota and Subaru take baby steps in this direction — now it’s time for Mitsubishi to show it can build a genuine BEV worthy of its adventurous heritage.

The concept will make its world premiere at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, October 29 (Wed) where Mitsubishi’s theme this year is "Forever Adventure." The brand says it will showcase its latest electrification and all-wheel control technologies, along with an interactive booth experience for visitors. Whether this SUV is the start of something truly electric or just another hybrid stopgap remains to be seen.

I’ll be watching this one closely. Because what I’d love to see is a fully electric Mitsubishi Outlander — one that I can proudly charge my BEV next to, without the smell of petrol in the air.